Justify completed his major prep work for the June 9 Belmont S. (G1) with a five-furlong breeze on Monday morning at Churchill Downs, getting the distance in 1:01.40 with rider Martin Garcia aboard and trainer Bob Baffert looking on.
“It was a really nice breeze and exactly what we were looking for,” Baffert said. “He relaxed nicely and seemed very happy. Martin was very happy with him as well so I was happy, too. He was a little fresh earlier in the week so it was good to see him relax nicely.”
After winning both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness S. (G1) on sloppy tracks, Justify will attempt to become the 12th horse to sweep the Triple Crown in Saturday’s 1 1/2-mile Belmont S.
The Belmont is expected to draw 11 runners, including Justify. Of the probable runners, five finished behind Justify in the Derby, with only Bravazo having run in both the Derby and Preakness.
Justify is scheduled for a Wednesday flight to Belmont, along with his Baffert-trained stablemate Restoring Hope.
Besides Justify, WinStar Farm will be represented in the Belmont by Noble Indy, who skipped the Preakness after running in the Derby. Noble Indy is co-owned by Mike Repole and was bred by WinStar.
Justify, who races for the partnership of China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners, Starlight Racing and WinStar Farm, is attempting to become the second horse in history to win the Triple Crown while undefeated. Seattle Slew accomplished the feat in 1977.
The post positions for the Belmont will be drawn on Tuesday afternoon, while the race will be run on Saturday at 6:37 p.m. ET.
