Justify Ready to Make History, But Belmont Will Not be Easy
As Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert and family watched the 143rd Preakness Stakes unfold on Saturday at Pimlico, Baffert was able to conceal his emotions behind his sunglasses that he kept on despite the day being foggy and gloomy that kept Baltimore under a continual mist.
He watched with arms folded as his horse Justify, the winner of the Kentucky Derby just two weeks prior, ran his most difficult race of his young career. The undefeated, powerful colt was under pressure until he was able to move clear with only 60 to 70 yards left down the stretch that set up Baffert for a solid shot at this year’s Triple Crown.
Baffert said he did not relax the entire race and knew from the start his horse would be in for a big fight. The Belmont, which will run on June 9, will not be any easier than Saturday.
In three weeks, race horsing fans will get the opportunity to see if the young colt belongs amongst the names of the true greats in the sport.
Jockey Mike Smith said following the race that Justify is the best 3-year old he has ever ridden and he has had the pleasure of riding some great horses.
Expectations were high for Justify after he outran 19 other horses on May 5 at the Derby, holding off Good Magic his biggest rival to win by 2 ½ lengths. The two horses were at it again just after the start of the Preakness at the first turn when Justify appeared to slip slightly on the muddy track.
The fog on the track was so thick on the backside that Baffert told his family he could not see Justify or the rest of the field, but one of his older sons yelled to his father that Justify was making his move.
The family roared when Justify emerged out of the fog holding a lead over Bravazo.
For doubters about the staying power of Justify, jockey and trainer both will remind listeners that the last legendary horse to won the Triple Crown was not an easy winner at the Kentucky Derby, as American Pharoah had to go all out and then hang on to win the first leg of the Triple Crown three years ago.
Justify is now just the 31st horse to win the Derby and Preakness since 1931.
Justify has run just five races in his career and the sixth will be his biggest and might end up being his most difficult.
