The Justice League Prevails
14 September 2015
Karaka graduate The Justice League (NZ) (I Am Invincible) prevailed in his first start as a three-year-old by overcoming a tough run in the $50,000 Listed Tavistock Northland Breeders Stakes (1200m) at Ruakaka on Saturday.
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The Justice League (NZ) triumphant in the Listed Tavistock Northland Breeders Stakes. |
After drawing the outside barrier of the nine-horse field, The Justice League was forced to work hard to sit outside of Billy Mojo (NZ) (Mastercraftsman) on the pace after a five-way battle for the leader, an effort that impressed trainer Nigel Tiley.
“It was a great effort,” commented Tiley. “With the tracks being so wet I haven’t been able to wind him up as much as I would have liked.
“I was concerned with the wide draw and I thought there would have been more speed in the race for him to be able to get across and get some cover but as the race turned out he had to do it tough.”
Having had three starts as a two-year-old, The Justice League was a strong winner on debut before starting as race-favourite in the $1m Karaka Million. Tiley now has Group 1 plans for the son of I Am Invincible following his first stakes victory.
“The aim for him this season is the Two Thousand Guineas at Christchurch but I am undecided which path to take at this stage,” stated Tiley.
After working his way to the lead following the speed dual, The Justice League was left in front at the top of the straight with challengers appearing. Karaka Million runner-up Selfie (NZ) (Thewayyouare) bulldozed its way into the clear and dashed at The Justice League who dug deep to hold onto his lead and win by a nose with Rocanto (NZ) (Per Incanto) finishing in third place.
Saturday’s victory increased The Justice League’s earnings to $49,400 for owners Nigel and Lee Tiley, M Rutherford, K R & D R Verner and P R & S Cole.
Tiley purchased The Justice League at the 2014 Karaka Select Sale for NZ$50,000 from Lyndhurst Farm.
Bred by Dan Myers, The Justice League is out of L’Artiste (Peintre Celebre), the dam of three named foals, all winners, including stakes placegetter Vive la Difference (Choisir), a placegetter in the Group 2 Championship Stakes.
Karaka graduates won seven of the nine races at Ruakaka on Saturday including Tennessee (NZ) (Per Incanto), Dazzling Lady (NZ) (Lonhro), Mongolian Warrior (NZ) (Swiss Ace), In Flight (NZ) (Fully Fledged), Antonio Lombardo (NZ) (Pins) and Hasselhoof (NZ) (Tavistock).