In a highly anticipated 2-year-old maiden special weight at 4 ½ furlongs, Tahoma did not disappoint Sunday at Santa Anita as 2018 Triple Crown champion Justify's first foal to race, meeting expectations as the 4-5 favorite who won by two lengths under Juan Hernandez in :53.89.
In an eight-horse field totally comprised of first-time starters, the Doug O'Neill-trained Tahoma, a chestnut colt who bears a sharp resemblance to his sire, broke sharply and was caught four-deep around the turn while a half length off early leader Fordy G at the three furlong marker. He took command turning for home and ran like a colt who will appreciate more ground.
Early fractions on the race were :21.66 for the opening quarter mile and :47.01 for a half mile.
Owned by West Coast Stables, Tahoma paid $3 to win and picked up purse money of $40,200.
“We had high expectations and we feel this colt has a lot of upside,” said Leandro Mora, O'Neill's primary assistant. “We train these babies pretty much like Brian Mayberry used to when I worked for him 30 years ago. We do not over-train a horse for these type of races. This colt has a lot of ability and I feel really confident about his future. We're proud to win with the very first starter for Justify, very proud.
“Dennis (Doug's brother) bought this horse and he has the eye of an eagle. He provides us with so many nice horses. Doug is on his way back from Maryland, but he's on his phone and he knows we won.”
Out of the Rahy mare Madera Dancer, who was winless in three Southern California starts, Tahoma was purchased by Dennis O'Neill for $160,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, where he was offered by Hunter Valley Farm, which co-bred him with Fergus Galvin and Golden Vale Farm.
Justify stands at Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky.
The post Tahoma, First Starter For Triple Crown Winner Justify, Rolls Home A Winner In Debut At Santa Anita appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
