By MICHAEL GUERIN
John Justice has stunned his rivals just days before the Victoria Cup by abandoning Interdominion champion Shakamaker.
In a move that raises questions over the champion's form, his Victorian trainer has elected to drive stablemate Safe And Sound in Saturday night's $A250,000 Victoria Cup.
Safe And Sound is drawn to trail likely leader and favourite Courage Under Fire, while Shakamaker has drawn next to him at two on the second line, following out another fast beginner in Tailamade Lombo.
Justice says the decision is honouring a promise he made to the connections of Safe And Sound that the next time the stablemates clashed he would drive whoever drew better.
"My heart didn't want to get off Shakamaker, nobody has driven him in a race except me, but I had a commitment to honour," said Justice.
Veteran Victorian driver Brian Gath, who has already won two Victoria Cups, will take the reins behind Shakamaker.
While Shakamaker is second favourite for the 2570m classic, Justice's decision raises questions over whether the 5-year-old stallion is at his peak.
He was easily beaten by moderate opponents in the West Australian Cup last month, then was clearly outgunned by New Zealand's latest budding star, Black Cam, at Moonee Valley last Saturday.
On both occasions he had comfortable runs but lacked the finishing kick which enabled him to come from last in the $A1 million Interdominion Final last season.
Even with the doubts over Shakamaker, he is still rated a superior chance to the strong New Zealand quartet.
Black Cam and Yulestar are rated the best of the New Zealanders by TAB Sportsbet but are still at $11, with Ouch and Holmes D G at $14.
Racing: Shakamaker in shock dumping
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