First mares checked in foal to Triple Crown winner Justify

Breeders have announced mares to have checked in foal to 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify, who began his stallion career this season at Coolmore' Ashford Stud in Versailles, Ky.

Justify stands for a fee of $150,000.

Stonehaven Steadings, also located in Versailles, announced Monday the 10-year-old Bernardini mare Venetian Sonata is in foal to Justify. Venetian Sonata, out of Moonlight Sonata, by Carson City, is a full sister to Grade 2 winner Wilburn, who stands in Oklahoma, and stakes winner La Appassionata.

Moonlight Sonata is a half-sister to Vargas Girl, who produced 2017 Kentucky Oaks winner and champion Abel Tasman.

Jet Black LLC in Cordova, Md., announced March 7 the 5-year-old mare Joe'sgoldenholiday, bred to Justify on Feb. 20, is in foal. The daughter of Harlan's Holiday is out of the Banker's mare, Golden Works, making her a half-sister to Goldencents.

Goldencents won the 2013-14 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile and stands at Spendthrift Farm in Lexington, Ky.

Justify was undefeated in six career starts that spanned 112 days. He was campaigned by WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, Starlight Racing and Head of Plains Partners and retired with nearly $3.8 million in earnings.

The chestnut colt went to WinStar Farm in Versailles upon retirement as Coolmore negotiated his breeding rights. Justify is a son of the late Scat Daddy, who also stood at Ashford.

Coolmore also stands 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah at Ashford Stud.