Verifying a Determined Winner of G3 Indiana Derby

Justify’s Grade I-placed Verifying (3c Justify x Diva Delite, by Repent) was the second graded stakes winner of the day for his sire when he won the Grade III Indiana Derby.

Racing over 1 1/16 miles on the dirt, Verifying pressed the leading Transect throughout the early stages before staging a serious bid at the quarter pole. Transect gave in around the turn with Verifying taking the lead before having to get ready for another duel close to the line.

That charge came from Raise Cain but showing the tenacity that has become a trademark of his career, Verifying kept his nose in front to earn his top three finish in nine career starts for $745,000 in earnings.

Trained by Brad Cox, Verifying is owned by Westerberg, John Poulin, and the Coolmore partners. He was a $775,000 Keeneland September purchase by M.V. Magnier from the Hunter Valley Farm consignment. Hunter Valley Farm bred him with Mountmellick Farm out of the Grade III winner Diva Delite.

That mare is also the dam of champion Midnight Bisou and stakes winner Stage Left. Diva Delite is out of the multiple stakes placed Tour Hostess, who is also a half-sister to multiple stakes winner Bay Street Gal. In all, there are stakes winners under each of Verifying’s five dams on the page.

Diva Delite was sold for $1.2 million carrying this colt in utero at the 2019 Fasig-Tipton November Sale. She also foaled an Uncle Mo colt in 2022.

Justify’s first crop yielded two graded stakes winners on Saturday with his daughter Aspen Grove also winning the Grade I Belmont Oaks going 1 ¼ miles on the turf.