John Justice paid tribute to Murray Jardine after Hotasel won the second heat of the TAB.com.au Rising Stars Pace at the harness racing meeting at Tabcorp Park Melton on Friday night.

 

Hotasel has only recently joined the Justice camp at Toolern Vale from the Ouyen stables of Jardine, transferring to Melbourne after running second to Arden Rooney in the Mildura Pacing Cup.

 

“Credit to Murray,” Justice said.

 

“He went terrific at Mildura (in the cup) after galloping out and still running second to Arden Rooney. It was pretty good form.

 

“He’s done well since arriving here.”

 

Hotasel had trialled at Melton leading up to Friday night’s race, defeating Keayang Active on April 28.

 

“When I saw Keayang Active come out and win the first heat I thought, geez, that’s a good form line,” Justice said.

 

Hotasel was well-tried in betting from initial double-figure odds into a starting price of $6.80 from barrier 10.

 

The son of Elsu/Hotgossip went three-wide without cover at the 900m from the back of the field and at the 400m was 1.5 metres off the frontrunners and looming large.

 

At the bend he was bolting and quickly rounded up the frontrunners in the blink of an eye before drawing clear for a 3.4m win in 1:59.5 (last quarter 27.6).

 

“Watching the replay … he hit the line better than any of them,” Justice said, admitting it was perfect run you look for in a heat going into a final.

 

That final will be run this Friday night at Tabcorp Park Melton and is worth $25,505.

 

In heat two Hollywood Sign led and battled on for second and Macho Comacho was third behind Hotasel, while Marg Lee’s good run of form continued in the first heat with Keayang Active successful for reinsman Jason Lee, McRita second and Upanatom third.