Justify Son Lives Up to Hype in Keeneland Debut
Justify son Big Truzz (3c Justify x Saralin, by Curlin) made a huge splash on Saturday at Keeneland when his debut in a Maiden Special Weight saw him leave the track with a win and Thoroughbred Daily News ‘Rising Star’ honors.
Before this 6 ½ furlong dirt debut, Big Truzz had plenty of buzz around him after registering multiple bullets in Florida. The colt showed he was more than just flashy works in the race, racing in midpack early while waiting for his chance to shine.
Going wide into the stretch, it was easy work from there for the Justify son, who was ridden out to a four-length victory at the line.
A $300,000 Keeneland September purchase by Boardshort Stables, the colt is trained by Brian Lynch for Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing.
He was bred by the Coolmore partners along with Kaleen Shah out of the Curlin mare Saralin. That mare was a $1.3 million 2-year-old purchase by her owners and is a half-sister to Grade I winner Salutos Amigos, Grade II winner Sarah’s Secret, and Group III placed Sun Goddess among the seven winners out of Group II winner Sarasota.
Saralin has a 2-year-old Justify colt named Bullet Catch who sold for $425,000 as a weanling and $600,000 at last year’s Keeneland September Yearling Sale to come.
This is the 12th Rising Star for Justify, who has also sired six stakes winners and nine stakes performers so far in 2025.