China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners LLC, Starlight Racing and WinStar Farm’s dynamic 3-year-old colt Justify had his final pre-Kentucky Derby (G1) workout on April 27 for trainer Bob Baffert, getting seven furlongs in 1:25.20 at Santa Anita Park.
The undefeated Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner is scheduled to arrive at Churchill Downs on Monday afternoon.
After the work, Baffert commented on working at Santa Anita rather than at Churchill Downs. “This track at Santa Anita is a very deep, demanding track and they get really fit here,” Baffert said. “We’ve shipped all over and I don’t think there’s a big difference. We used to go there a few weeks early but last year we went in the week before and won the Kentucky Oaks (G1, with Abel Tasman). I don’t think it makes a difference.”
Justify has been nothing short of brilliant in his three starts, earning a triple-digit Beyer Speed Figure each time. In recent reports, Kentucky Derby odd-maker Mike Battaglia has said Justify will likely be the morning line favorite when post positions are drawn on Tuesday, May 1.
Justify will be ridden by Mike Smith in the May 5 Run for the Roses.
