Retained, the 2008 Redwood Classic champion, was in the winner's circle for the first time since his group one success with an impressive victory in the Windmill Ag _ Parts & Service Departments Trotters Handicap Final, 2200m in Ballarat.

The four-year-old, who had been sidelined with a bad case of colic, was having just his second start back after more than eight months away from the races.

Retained out-gunned last night's field, leading from start to finish and had almost five metres on runner-up Melpark Miccole on the line.

Justice was pleased to have his talented son of Safely Kept back in form after coming close to losing him during the worst period of his illness.

Justice said he almost had Retained put down, before a call from the vet confirmed the talented youngster was on the improve.

"He was in Werribee Veterinary Clinic for about three weeks, he had two operations and had about three metres of intestine removed," Justice said.

"We are pretty proud of him and pretty pleased to have him back winning.

"He has still got a long way to go, but he's getting there."

Justice believed his horse suffered from "stage fright" in his first-up seventh at Ballarat on September 13 after a prolonged period away from the races.

"It is amazing what a race can do," he said.

"He has had that run and was a lot more relaxed and he just trotted out in front.

"Once he was in front, he probably could have won by another 10 metres, easily."

Justice said it had been an expensive procedure to save Retained's life, but was hoping the horse could repay connections in the coming years.

"It cost a fair amount of money to save his life," he said.

"It wasn't cheap, so we are hoping he can repay us somewhere in the future."

Retained has now won five of his 13 career starts.

*SMYTHES Creek trainer Peter Tonkin had a winning double last night with Village Deputy and Antsinyapants both saluting.