Justify in Demand at Keeneland September

Tara Madgwick - Tuesday September 14

The first yearlings by undefeated Triple Crown hero Justify (USA) were a hot commodity at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale during the first session with 10 youngsters averaging $US432,200 ($A587,477), which was the best result of all first season sires.

His progeny found particular favour with Japanese trainer Hideyuki Mori, who purchased his top three sellers.

Mori secured three outstanding Justify colts paying $US950,000 ($A1.29 million) for the grey half-brother to Group II winner Pretty N Cool from stakes-placed Stayclassysandiego, $US650,000 ($A883,918) for a chestnut colt from Group I winner Streaming and $US625,000 ($A849,994) for the half-brother to Champion 2YO Classic Empire from Sambuca Classica.

This $950,000 colt from Stayclassysandiego was the top seller for Justify in session 1.

Mori, speaking through interpreter Kate Hunter, Keeneland's Japan representative said," I have seen a lot of Justify yearlings, and I really like them. They have a good mind and are great movers.

"Based on their actions and their physicals, I think they will perform well on the Japanese turf."

The stunning grey colt from Stayclassysandiego was consigned by Baccari Bloodstock and was a successful pinhook having been bought as a foal at Keeneland last November for $435,000.

“I went out in search of the very best Justify I could possibly find, privately or at public auction,” Chris Baccari told TDN.

“And I felt he was it. He is a great strong physical and I am a believer in the horse and I took a swing.”

Justify is currently in Australia for Coolmore covering his third book of mares here at a fee of $55,000 and will have his first yearlings at Australasian sales in 2022.

Justify is a Premium stallion, click for more information.


 

Advertisment
More Reading...
G1 Aussie Season – Best of the Best
The $700,000 Group I Tatts Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm last Saturday was the last of 76 Australian Group I races run this season that produced 57 individual Group I winners, so let’s take a look at the best of the best.
Istataba adds international flavour to National Online Breeding Stock Sale
Buyers can currently bid on 11 stakes-performed mares in the National Online Breeding Stock Sale on Gavelhouse Plus, including one that brings South American bloodlines and Singaporean racetrack performance.
Levakia Adds to Good Week for Curraghmore
Emerging filly Levakia has given Curraghmore further cause for celebration.
Vale, Joe Yorke
The racing industry has lost one of its more colourful characters with the passing of Joe Yorke on Sunday.
G1 3YOs - Where the Real Action Is
2YO racing might garner a lot of attention, but the reality is G1 races run for this age group are shining a light on a comparatively small slice of that foal crop, whereas 3YO racing is where the real action lies as the good horses from the season before have to step up or slide out of contention.
Bergerson Honoured at Entain Industry Excellence Awards
Sam Bergerson, New Zealand’s leading trainer, was recognised by his peers when receiving the top gong at the Entain Industry Excellence Awards on Sunday night.
Euro G1 – Bridesmaid No More and Two Time Derby Hero
Aga Khan Studs don’t race a lot of geldings, but one that they do is Calandagan, who shook off his G1 bridesmaid tag winning the Group I Grand Prix de Saint Cloud in France, while in Ireland the Coolmore machine kept the winning run going to take out the Group I Irish Derby (1 ½ m).
New kids on the block add fresh blood to Vibrant Victorian breeding scene
With 11 new stallions standing in Victoria this coming breeding season, including the winners of three Group 1 races on their ‘home’ soil, the short and long-term future looks increasingly bright for the state’s vibrant industry. 
Matahga Makes it a Memorable Weekend for Lawson
Waikato horseman Simon Lawson has an eye for a bargain, and the product of one of his purchases turned into his first stakes winner over the weekend.
Many Pedigree Paths Lead to Helen Street
Jane Henning of Pedigree Dynamics offers her thoughts on an Irish Oaks winner that has become a remarkable producer and is now emerging as a great candidate for line breeding.