MICHAEL MCINTOSH's tough local sprinter, MINISTEROFJUSTICE, is fancied to upstage the imported pair of DOUBLE THE HONEY and PRICELESS BEAUTY in tomorrow's ninth race, a 1300-metre open-allowance event.

The six-year-old horse failed by a neck on last to nab BRASH & SASSY at 1100 metres, run in a fast 1:05.4 on January 30. That afternoon, MINISTEROFJUSTICE allowed the speedster 12lb and was catching him with every stride when the post intervened.

BRASH & SASSY is back and has been hiked in the scale to sit level at 57.0 kilos with MINISTEROFJUSTICE. Although Aaron Chatrie's two-kilo claim will have him riding the speedy filly at 55.0, the extra weight, additional furlong, plus expected early speed of DOUBLE THE HONEY, should put pay to her chances.

Even though she is not expected to last the distance with the extra weight, BRASH & SASSY's early speed should have her in a tussle with DOUBLE THE HONEY, who's coming off a five-month-plus lay-up.

This should set it up perfectly for MINISTEROFJUSTICE who should outfinish the up-in-class Canadian-bred PRICELESS BEAUTY.

DOUBLE THE HONEY has not raced since finishing fifth behind RON RON, SKITTLE QUEEN and MACHISMO at 1300 metres on August 28 last year.

The four-year-old American tried making all with 57.0 kilos but was brushed off the lead by RON RON after setting fast splits of 22.3, 45.3 into the lane.

vastly improved

Although he was installed a 4-5 favourite that day, DOUBLE THE HONEY's odds against the vastly improved RON RON were rather generous after having to be ridden out to beat BRASH & SASSY at 1000 metres round three weeks earlier.

All has not been right with the American, explaining his prolonged absence from the races. He has been gradually regaining form at exercise in the mornings but still doesn't look sharp enough to duel BRASH & SASSY then stave off MINISTEROFJUSTICE, more so with 55.0 kilos over a distance at which he has never won.

His preparation shows three half-mile gallops in January, none quicker than 48.2, followed by a pair of seven furlongs early this month, 1:28.2 and 1:28.4.

BRASH & SASSY will be tracking DOUBLE THE HONEY's every move and will have to attack before MINISTERTOFJUSTICE and PRICELESS BEAUTY get into top gear.

Whereas MINISTEROFJUSTICE will be able to stalk the sprinters, PRICELESS BEAUTY, even though pretty light at 50.0 kilos will find the quicker pace too hot to handle and might not like being rushed off her legs to chase the speedsters.

Her Woodbine form lines indicate she's not a sprinter but, at 50.0 kilos, she's the main threat to MINISTEROFJUSTICE.