Justique eyes Kentucky Oaks points in Santa Ynez
At 0h08, on December 27, 2022 • By SANTA ANITA
Following an eye-catching debut win sprinting at Del Mar this summer, Justique was promptly stretched out to 1 1/16 miles for the Grade II Chandelier and disappointed when a well-beaten third as the 6-5 favorite.
Following the Chandelier dud, Justique returned to sprinting in the seven-furlong Desi Arnaz at Del Mar on Nov. 19 where she rallied from dead last to win impressively by 2 1/2 lengths. Trainer John Shirreffs on Monday said the daughter of Triple Crown winner Justify will likely stay around one turn for her next start in Sunday’s Grade III, $200,000 Santa Ynez going seven furlongs.
“I think so,” Shirreffs said of Justique running in the Santa Ynez. “She’s been doing well and I’d like to see her run a good race.”
Justique has worked four times at Santa Anita since the Desi Arnaz, which includes a five-furlong move in 1:01 on Sunday.
The Santa Ynez is an official prep for next year’s Kentucky Oaks with qualifying points awarded to the top five finishers on a scale of 20-8-6-4-2.
Justique is among 10 nominees for the Santa Ynez, which will be drawn on Thursday along with the remainder pf the Sunday’s card.
