Ward to Aim $925K Justify Filly Toward Royal Ascot

Trainer Wesley Ward went to $925,000 for Hip 28, a Justify filly purchased for MyRacehorse Stable during the first session of Book 1 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale Sept. 12. Ward, who regularly ships horses to the Royal Ascot meet in England, says the Gainesway-consigned filly bred by Lakland Farm in Kentucky was purchased with plans to be aimed at that high-profile meet. "It's a beautiful filly. (Bloodstock agent) Ben McElroy brought me over to see his short list. She was certainly right there at the top of it. We're really excited especially to go over to Royal Ascot," Ward said. "She seems to have all the physical attributes as well as the pedigree. MyRacehorse came in with the filly and we're summoning a group here shortly to see who is going to take what of the other part. We're really excited." The first foal out of the Australia mare San Saria (IRE), the filly was a $300,000 pinhook for Gainesway's general manager Brian Graves from the Sequel New York consignment to the 2022 Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale. "(Brian's) just a wonderful guy...When I saw her I just fell in love with her; so hopefully she'll come through for the group," Ward said. "(Royal Ascot) is a phenomenal place, it feels like you're back in the 1800s…Jockeys and owners and trainers from all over the world want to come and win there. I would encourage everyone to go and everyone to go with one of their top racehorses so they can really experience it." Ward also purchased Hip 81, an Omaha Beach colt through McElroy for $250,000 from the Claiborne Farm consignment.