Justify has final pre-Belmont S. (G1) workout

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.

“I think the Triple Crown brings a lot more people into the game,” Baffert added. “It also brings a lot of new owners. I saw a lot of new faces in the game after Pharoah (American Pharoah, in 2015) won the Triple Crown. It’s no walk in the park to win but it’s very important to our sport when we have a Triple Crown possibility on the line.” 

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. 

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.

Should Justify win on Saturday, it would make Baffert only the second trainer to have multiple Triple Crown winners. “Sunny Jim” Fitzsimmons won with Gallant Fox in 1930 and Omaha in 1935.

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.