Falling Snow Latest ‘Rising Star’ For Justify
The regally bred Falling Snow (2f Justify x Winter, by Galileo) became the 10th Thoroughbred Daily News ‘Rising Star’ for Justify on Saturday with a victory at the Curragh.
Making her debut in the seven-furlong turf race, the filly raced close behind Ballet Slippers and looked like she had her work cut out for her in the final furlong. Jockey Gavin Ryan gave her every chance at victory, however, and Falling Snow battled to the line to win by a neck.
Trained by Donnacha O’Brien, the filly is a homebred for Coolmore out of four-time Grade 1 winner Winter.
“Her ears were pricked at the line and this race has traditionally thrown up good fillies,” said O’Brien. “She's a big filly and we'll take her along gently–she's tall and I'd be keen to take it slowly. This year is going to be more about education and I'm not sure she's ready physically for that Debutante-Moyglare route, she could come back here for one of those Group 3s later on. She'll probably stay ten at three and so a mile will be no problem for her this year.”
Winter is also the dam of Justify’s winning London City and two other winners from her three other foals. Winter is a full sister to Grade II winner Lovelier and sibling to three other winners from four others to race out of three-time winner Laddies Poker Two.
It’s been a big summer for Justify, who saw a $1 million colt sell at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale earlier this week and sired four stakes winners in July.