Bellum Justum, who finished seventh in the Derby earlier this summer, is set to compete in the Nashville Derby in the U.S. later this month.
The Sea The Stars colt, trained by Andrew Balding, has won two of his eight starts. He began the 2024 season with a victory in the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom, setting up a return to Surrey Downs for the Premier Classic. Despite a disappointing Derby performance behind City Of Troy, he showed promise with a third-place finish in the Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot and challenged Aidan O’Brien’s Jan Brueghel in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood.
Bellum Justum will now head to Kentucky Downs for the Grade Three Nashville Derby, a $2.5 million event.
“He’s in good shape and will race at Kentucky Downs on August 31,” said Alastair Donald, racing manager for King Power Racing. “The race is a mile and a quarter for three-year-olds, and we’re hoping for fast ground. There don’t seem to be any other international runners, and with over $2 million in prize money, it’s a great opportunity for him. It’s either compete for over $2 million here or run in the Winter Hill at Windsor for £70,000. Given the potential for soft ground in the UK in September and October, this race is a clear choice.”
With Bellum Justum’s preference for fast ground, further international opportunities might be considered for the winter months. Donald added, “There’s a potential race in Qatar, and with a mile-and-a-quarter horse who favours fast ground, there are often big international targets available. We’re excited about the options for him.”