Not shuttling to Australia this spring, Justify posted a milestone 30th stakes-winner in the UK overnight when progressive colt Capulet won the Listed Chester Dee Stakes (1m2 ½ f) for the Coolmore partners.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, Capulet improved at his second run this year to lead all the way and score by half a length. He was cut from 33-1 to 14-1 for the Epsom Derby after the win.
“That was very pleasing. I thought Ryan gave Capulet a lovely ride. He appreciated the step up in trip, no doubt. He's an uncomplicated horse who travels well. The Derby and the French Derby are the first two races that come to mind,” said Paul Smith, Coolmore representative.
“He gets a mile and two well and would probably get a mile and four the way he runs. We'll have the trials at the weekend and next week then Aidan will sit down with the lads and discuss it and we'll make a plan from there.”
Capulet was Group II placed twice last year and has the overall record of two wins and three placings from five starts.
A homebred for the Coolmore partners, Capulet is the best of two winners from Group III winning Galileo mare Wedding Vow, a full sister to Epsom Derby winner Serpentine, who has found his way to Australia with the family also producing European Horse of the Year Dylan Thomas.
