Honest performer Constant Justice popped out for his first barrier trial since his surprise win in the Group 3 New Year Cup (1200m), but trainer Mohd Yusof said that does not mean a comeback is imminent.

The veteran Singaporean handler knew he would be hard-pressed to find a race for the Magnus six-year-old after the brilliant season opener, and to his dismay, he had been spot-on.

Constant Justice is a bit of a one-trick pony. All his seven wins had been in Polytrack sprints and after his rating took a six-point hike to 102, Yusof had been loath to run him where he would be burdened with too much weight.

It doesn’t help that Yusof believes the Lucky Stable-owned sprinter is better off over short sharp dashes up to 1100m even if he landed the New Year Cup last time out.

“All’s good with him, it’s just that I can’t find a race for him. I have to wait for the programme and see what’s available for him,” said Yusof.

The Group 2 Merlion Trophy over the Polytrack 1200m would have been a no-brainer, but the former second Leg of the Singapore Sprint Series was discontinued as was the series from this year.

As for the former first Leg, the Group 3 Rocket Man Sprint on May 5, it is run over 1200m on turf, a course and distance which Constant Justice had a crack at four times for dismal results, the latest being his last place in the Group 1 Lion City Cup last year.

“The Rocket Man Sprint is too far for him. I really can’t find a suitable race for him,” said Yusof.

In the meantime, the 65-year-old handler has to make do with watching him go around a barrier trial. Given an easy time by his New Year Cup partner Glen Boss, Constant Justice was in a handy spot throughout before he was pipped late for third place by Nova Strike (Noh Senari), around three lengths off the winner Lucky Hada (Daniel Moor).

“We have to keep him in shape. He’s still on the fat side,” said Yusof.

“We didn’t give him too much of a workout today. He’s in a reasonably good condition.

“Hopefully, we can find a race for him soon.”

After the flying start, Yusof, who has a book of 30 horses under his helm, has not been able to maintain the same tempo since. Smart Investment on February 8 has been his only other winner since.