Chasing second title two decades later

IT'S been more than two decades since he held the industry's most sought-after trophy aloft, with the moment remaining John Justice's greatest highlight.

Training and driving star pacer Shakamaker, Justice captured the 2000 Inter Dominion at Moonee Valley.

Along with being the first Championship of the new millenium, the Final was also the first harness race to offer $1million in prizemoney thanks to the vision of respected Harness Racing Victoria chairman Ian McEwen.

Fast forward to tomorrow night's Tabcorp Park Melton meeting and Justice has two opportunities to once again secure the coveted title.

This time, however, Justice will contest the Trotters' Final with Mufasa Metro and Hatchback.

Electing to drive Mufasa Metro, Justice has handed the reins behind Hatchback to his daughter Ewa's boyfriend, Ryan Sanderon.

Runner-up during the first two heats last week, Mufasa Metro rounded out the qualifies with a victory in Geelong.

Drawn barrier two, Mufasa Metro slots into gate one with the removal of the emergency, where he is expected to be pushed forward in search of the lead.

Aiming to become just the third four-year-old to etch his name on the honour roll since the series' inception in 1948, Mufasa Metro is on the third line of TAB Fixed Odds at $5.

Queen Elida heads the market at $$2 from barrier eight, with Just Believe the second elect at $4.60 from gate 12.

Squeezing into the Final after two unplaced runs and a handy second, Hatchback is a $51 outsider from barrier four.