Owner: China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners LLC, Starlight Racing, WinStar Farm
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Mike Smith
Sire: Scat Daddy (Johannesburg)
Dam: Stage Magic (Ghostzapper)
Foaled: March 28, 2015
Breeder: John D. Gunther
Starts: 5
Wins: 5
Seconds: 0
Thirds: 0
Earnings: $2,998,000
Justify: The Belmont has been Bob Baffert’s least-participated and least-won of his 14 career Triple Crown race victories. But he’s earned the white carnations twice with Point Given (2001) and Triple Crown winner American Pharoah (2015). Unbeaten in 6 tries, it’s a curious notable that Justify’s margin of victory has shrank in each start, dwindling all the way to a half-length in the Preakness. His Kentucky Derby was historically slow on the clock (2:04.20) and his Preakness a record-slow 97 on the Beyer scale. But both came under excessively wet track conditions and perhaps are no reason to worry whatsoever. I am bullish the favorite has the ability to best this bunch. His high end appears simply better than these. But I am hesitant to concede the race to him with what seems to be a cavalry that’s closing in on him. Jockey Mike Smith has been a maestro at Belmont Park over the decades, so he will give him every chance to make history. Smith won this race with Drosselmeyer (2010) and Palace Malice (2013). He’s clearly the horse to beat, but outside of American Pharoah, so, too were Big Brown, Smarty Jones and California Chrome, who looked as or more potent through two legs of the series.
Justify worked 5 furlongs in 1:01.40 at Churchill Downs on June 4th, 2018 for trainer Bob Baffert as he gears up for an attempt to cap off a Triple Crown run in the Belmont Stakes. Courtesy: Churchill...
Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner, Justify, worked 4 furlongs in :46.80 at Churchill Downs on May 29th, 2018 in advance of the Belmont Stakes. Courtesy: Churchill Downs...
By Johnny D
Justify is special. That’s a ‘known known.’ And he’s got the paper to prove it. Five starts. Five wins. Nice. Two Triple Crown race attempts. Two Triple Crown race wins. Really nice. The first...
Bob Baffert and Mike Smith sat down with the media at Clocker's Corner on May 24th, 2018 to answer questions about Justify's trip in the Preakness Stakes, plans for Belmont Stakes preparations and muc...
By Pimlico Press Release
BALTIMORE – Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Justify survived a protracted duel with Good Magic and held on to capture the 143rd Preakness Stakes (G1) with a half-length victory over late-charging Brava...
By Johnny D
Earlier this week I received an inquisitive e-mail from a friend containing a link to a Sports Illustrated article by Tim Layden posted at MSN.com, Justify Elicits Comparisons to American Pharoah in...
By Churchill Downs News Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Saturday, May 5, 2018) – WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, Starlight Racing and Head of Plains Partners’ favored Justify took command at the half-mile pole and roared away to a 2 ½...
| Date | Race | Track | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 2018 | Preakness Stakes (G1) | Pimlico | 1st |
| May 5, 2018 | Kentucky Derby (G1) | Churchill Downs | 1st |
| April 7, 2018 | Santa Anita Derby (G1) | Santa Anita | 1st |
| March 11, 2018 | Allowance | Santa Anita | 1st |
| February 18, 2018 | Maiden | Santa Anita | 1st |