Verifying, a Kentucky Derby (G1) prospect for trainer Brad Cox, turned in a strong performance in allowance company Saturday at Oaklawn, kicking away to a 5 1/4-length triumph.
Ridden by Martin Garcia, the Justify colt pressed the early pace set by Gun Pilot into the far turn before taking a narrow lead soon after. Dueling that rival into the stretch, he shook free and powered to the convincing victory while covering one mile in 1:37.23 on a fast track.
The 7-5 favorite, Verifying returned $4.80.
Gun Pilot held on for second, 2 3/4 lengths in front of third-place finisher Two Eagles River. Cox-trained stablemate Judo finished was never a factor and finished last of six.
Owned by Jonathan Poulin, Westerberg, and Coolmore associates Susan Magnier, Derrick Smith, and Michael Tabor, Verifying tallied his second win from four starts. He won his debut Aug. 27 at Saratoga, followed by a runner-up finish in the Champagne (G1) Oct. 1 at Belmont at the Big A. He was subsequently a troubled sixth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) Nov. 4 at Keeneland to cap his 2-year-old campaign but stamped himself a 3-year-old to watch with Saturday's dominant win.
Verifying, who is based a Fair Grounds, is one of maybe a dozen Derby prospects for Cox and already has four qualifying points for the Louisville classic acquired via his Champagne effort. He has $260,150 in purse earnings.
Purchased by Coolmore's M. V. Magnier for $775,000 from consignor Hunter Valley Farm at the 2021 Keeneland September yearling sale, Verifying is a half brother to 2019 champion older dirt female Midnight Bisou. He was bred in Kentucky by Woodford Thoroughbreds and Mountmellick Farm LLC. His dam is the Repent mare Diva Delite, a Grade 3 winner.
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