$725,000 Sale Topper for Justify at Fasig-Tipton October

It was a sale topper for Justify this week when a $725,000 colt led the way at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearlings Sale.

Consigned by Hunter Valley Farm, the Andre Lynch and Pat Durtschi-bred colt purchased by Jessie Longoria, as agent for Kiehne and Brunson, is the first foal out of the winning Palace Princess. That mare is out of the Grade II-placed Arienza, a daughter of the Hall of Fame mare Azeri. Azeri produced Grade II winner and Grade I-placed Wine Princess among her four stakes performers and 10 winners from 10 to race.

Wine Princess is also the dam of Smokin’ T, who placed third in two Grade IIIs in September.

“For one thing, he's by Justify,” Longoria said. “That was the main thing. And then he's just an athletic-looking horse that I think they are going to enjoy. It looks like he will have a lot of speed, plus the pedigree. He's just a nice individual.”

Justify is also the sire of a $500,000 colt purchased by Gavin O’Connor as agent for John Stewart, the co-second highest priced yearling of the sale.

The gray colt is a half-brother to Grade I winners Majestic Harbor and Danza in addition to the stakes placed Tickled Pink. Named Just Royal, he is also a half-brother to the dam of Grade III winners Totally Boss and Super Steed. They are all out of the stakes placed Champagne Royale, one of three stakes performers for her own seven-time winning dam All Tanked Up.

A $250,000 weanling purchase, the Spry Family Farm-bred is the youngest foal out of Champagne Royale.

Other Justify yearlings at the sale sold for $300,000, $290,000, etc.