Lilac Builds Value with Early Stakes Win

Blue-blooded filly Lilac (Justify) has quickly built up value to more than justify her $300,000 purchase price at Karaka, becoming a black-type winner in just her fourth career start in Saturday’s A$175,000 Listed NJT Jim Moloney Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.

By one of the world’s most exciting sires in Justify and out of the beautifully bred Group Two performer Paulownia (Fastnet Rock), Lilac was offered by Curraghmore in Book 1 of Karaka 2023 and was bought by Champion Thoroughbreds and Annabel Neasham Racing.

Lilac’s four-start career has now produced two smart wins, a second and A$145,875 in stakes, with much more in store.

“This is the first horse we’ve had with Champion Thoroughbreds, and it’s great to have Coolmore in the ownership as well,” Neasham said. “It’s really satisfying to get a stakes win for them with a filly of this quality.

“We've got the stakes win today, so the pressure's off in that regard. But hopefully she can build on her CV from here on in. I’m just delighted for all the connections.”

The talented filly enjoyed a comfortable run in behind the leader Too Darn Lizzie (Too Darn Hot) on Saturday, then quickly overpowered that rival after straightening for home.

Declichy Boulevard (Snitzel) produced a big late sprint to get close in the final few strides, but Lilac lifted again and held on strongly for a narrow win.

“I felt like I had the leader covered the whole way and she was nice and relaxed, sitting a length and a half off,” jockey Mark Zahra said. “It was just a matter of her quickening when I asked her, and she did. She’s pretty sharp.”