Air Assault Third Australian Stakes Winner for Justify

Justify registered his third Australian stakes winner on Saturday when Air Assault (2c Justify x Elegant Eagle, by Zabeel) won the Group III SAJC Sires Produce Stakes over seven furlongs.

Racing at Morphettville, Air Assault was making his first start at the distance and proved that it was easy for him to handle. The Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas trainee quickly went to the lead in the race and made it clear he was going to be tough for anyone to beat.

While another horse chased him down to within a neck at the line, Air Assault scored his first career victory in the race.

Bred by Harry Perks and partners, the colt races as a homebred for the group. His dam also produced Group I winner Go Indy Go, Group III winner Essay Raider, and Group III placed Battle Brewing among seven winners.

Elegant Eagle is a full sister to the dam of Group I winner Southern Speed and her dam is a full sister to dual champion Ha Ha.

Justify’s five winners from 10 runners in Australia include his three stakes winners with the stallion also looking likely to take home Champion Australian First Season Sire this year.