Justique Impressive In Desi Arnaz Victory
Justify’s daughter Justique (2f Justify x Grazie Millie, by Bernardini) became his sixth stakes winner on Saturday with an impressive victory in the Listed Desi Arnaz Stakes.
Bred by John Gunther and Eurowest Bloodstock – the same group that bred both her sire and her half-brother Mo Town – the TDN Rising Star showed just how talented she is in the start.
Breaking from the one-hole in the seven-furlong stakes race, Justique broke slowly and happily took up her spot in the back of the field – what is turning into her customary racing style. The filly had her backers worried when she raced over 10 lengths behind the leader down the backstretch but as they entered the turn, she put that worry to rest.
Not yet asked to truly run, Justique caught up to the field quickly entering the turn and in only a few strides had multiple horses behind her. By the time they entered the stretch, the filly was just behind the leaders and went wide to put them behind her in the final furlong. Never asked for all her talent, Justique won by an easy 2 ¼ lengths for C R K Stable and trainer John Shirreffs.
“At the half mile (pole) she started to pick it up. When she wants to, she’s quick; very quick. I moved up next to those horses on the turn and in two or three jumps she’s in front. She’s something. And if she goes longer? I think she’ll be better,” said jockey Victor Espinoza.
A $725,000 Keeneland September Yearling purchase by Mayberry Farm, Justique has won two of her three starts and was third in the Grade II Chandelier last out. She is now being pointed to the Grade I Kentucky Oaks next spring.
Justique is out of the winning mare Grazie Mille, who produced Grade I winner Mo Town as well from her three winners. Grazie Mille is a daughter of Grade III winner Molto Vita, who also produced the stakes winning duo of Venetian Mask and Jaguar Paw in addition to the stakes placed Panthera Onca.
Grazie Millie also foaled a full sister to Justique this year.
Justify leads all stallions by number of graded stakes winners with four and by stakes winners with six. His seven graded stakes performers is also best among all North American stallions as well.