‘Just’ That Good: Justify Completes Meteoric Ascent in Derby

[Wandering Eyes]

From even before JUSTIFY (c, 3, Scat Daddy–Stage Magic, by Ghostzapper) debuted, rumors swirled that Bob Baffert might have another monster 3-year-old on his hands, fresh off the heels of champions American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) and Arrogate (Unbridled’s Song). Just a few months later, the hulking chestnut is the GI Kentucky Derby winner after he stalked a fast pace and skipped away in the driving rain at Churchill Downs to take the 144th running of America’s most important horse race. After crushing his competition for ‘TDN Rising Star’ honors Feb. 18 at Santa Anita, the $500,000 Keeneland September graduate repeated with a facile allowance score Mar. 11 and he clinched his spot in the Louisville starting gate with a three-length tally in the GI Santa Anita Derby Apr. 7. Made the 29-10 favorite despite his lack of experience, Justify broke alertly and was intently hustled away by Mike Smith to find a stalking spot in second. Things looked dicey when the opening quarter was posted in a sizzling :22.24, but Justify was traveling comfortably enough as he held his spot past a :45.78 half. Overhauling the tiring pacesetter midway around the far turn, the favorite looked ready to romp, but champion Good Magic (Juvenile), who had ridden the rail in a similar fashion to his GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile score, tipped out to challenge at the top of the lane. Justify had more in reserve though, and still maintained a clear advantage past the eighth pole before hitting the wire a measured two lengths to the good in 2:04.20 over the off going. Good Magic narrowly held for the place over rail-running Audible (Into Mischief). Lifetime Record: 4-4-0-0, $1,866,000. O-WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, Starlight Racing & Head of Plains Partners; B-John D. Gunther (KY); T-Bob Baffert.

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