Impressive First Winner for Justify

Undefeated Triple Crown winner Justify is on the board with his first runner in North America returning a winner at Sant Anita on Sunday with a debut victory for Tahoma (2c Justify x Madera Dancer, by Rahy).

Trained by Doug O’Neill, two year-old colt Tahoma was sent out favourite for the 4½f juvenile maiden on dirt and powered clear of his rivals to win with authority.

"We had high expectations and we feel this colt has a lot of upside. This colt has a lot of ability and I feel really confident about his future,” said longtime assistant trainer Leandro Mora.

“We're proud to win with the very first starter for Justify, very proud."

Tahoma was a $160,000 purchase from the Hunter Valley Farm consignment at the 2021 Keeneland September Sale by Dennis O'Neill, whose brother Doug trains the colt.

Tahoma is a half-brother to Group III winner Legends of War and is the fifth winner from good producing Rahy mare Madera Dancer, whose next dam is by Danehill Dancer.

Justify also had his first European runner at The Curragh with two year-old filly Aspen Grove (2f Justify x Data Dependant, by More Than Ready) running a most encouraging fifth in a big competitive 6f fillies maiden for the Fozzy Stack stable.

The first Australian bred Justify two year-olds will race here next season and his stock have been popular at the yearling sales this year selling for up to $1million.