One of the most exciting horses in recent memory, Justify, made his way to Churchill Downs on Sunday to prepare for June 9 at the Triple Crown.
Justify was the winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, which gives him the opportunity to become just the 13th horse to claim a Triple Crown with a victory in the 12-furlong Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. You can read the latest betting insights at 188Bet's blog for a run through of the horse's chances in that race in New York.
While the lead-up to the event is set to garner significant attention, the horse's trainer, Bob Baffert is taking it all in his stride.
"We'll just get him back to Kentucky and we'll see how he trains," Baffert told reporters in Baltimore as Justify prepared to depart for Louisville (via Reuters.com). "He has to be doing really well."
Baffert has clearly run out of superlatives when it comes to the horse but is remaining quietly confident yet tight-lipped. Justify – who has won five consecutive races – overcame an exceptionally difficult challenge at Saturday's Preakness in Baltimore with an assured victory which has clearly provided his trainer with optimism:
"He is good," Baffert said, when asked about the condition of Justify following the race. "For him, what he's done, fifth race, it's pretty incredible really. I'm in awe of the horse."
When the question of a Triple Crown was brought up, Baffert remained short on words. A victory at the Belmont Stakes for Justify would mean that Baffert could bag an incredible second Triple Crown in just four years, following his achievement with American Pharoah in 2015. The possibility of Justify making that mark is strong, according to his trainer:
"Right now, I don't see why not," said Baffert.
Rain, fog and some excellent competition were the biggest tests for Justify at The Preakness at Pimlico Race Course, but he passed with flying colors. There is little doubt in the eyes of many that Justify will do the same come June 9, but, once again, he will need to shake off the challenges of some pretty strong competition.
The chestnut colt was challenged by the runner-up of the Kentucky Derby, Good Magic, before another test came his way in the form of the electric Bravazo.
"He really had to work for it and I'm happy we pulled it out," Baffert said. "He was blowing. You could tell he was in a fight the whole way. You can only get away with that when you have a superior horse like he is."
"I think the next race will be really big," Baffert said, in relation to the race on June 9. "You can't just bring it all the time. This will set him up for the next one."
Prior to that day, the impressive three-year-old will rest up and enjoy some preparation for a race which has the potential to be one of the most competitive of the year.
