The first Australian crop of rising two year-olds by Triple Crown hero Justify (USA) are popping up in all our leading stables as they progress from being broken in and move towards racing with his early results from the Northern Hemisphere offering cause for optimism.
Justify has had five winners – two of them Group winners Statuette and Just Cindy - and six place-getters from 12 starters with the latest of those winners coming in the US over the weekend with a debut win for talented filly Justa Warrior.
Trained by John Ortiz, she stalked the early leader and cruised clear for a five length victory over 5 ½ f on dirt at Ellis Park.
Justa Warrior is a half-sister to stakes-winner Key to My Heart and is the fourth winner from Group I winning Bernardini mare AZ Warrior.
Not shuttling to Coolmore this spring, Justify will have his first Australian runners next season and they were popular at the sales this year selling for up to $1million.
He has 38 entries for the 2023 Golden Slipper and among them is his top selling colt from Maastricht with Hawkes Racing nominating the half-brother to dual Group I winner Loving Gaby.
