Justify “Much Better” Monday After Minor Irritation on Leg

[Wandering Eyes]

Two days after capturing the GI Kentucky Derby with undefeated ‘TDN Rising Star’ Justify (Scat Daddy), Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert said the colt developed minor irritation on his left hind leg Sunday and already showed significant improvement as of Monday morning during an appearance on Steve Byk’s “At the Races” radio program. Baffert told Byk that a skin condition on the leg became agitated when walking on uneven gravel outside his barn at Churchill Downs during an appearance in front of the media.

“He stepped on one of those [gravel] things, and when he turned on it, you could tell he flinched,” Baffert told Byk. “[Monday], he’s so much better. He’s walking great on it now.”

A number of video clips emerged on social media outlets throughout the day showing Justify apparently favoring his other leg while walking on the gravel–something Baffert downplayed as an isolated incident.

“It’s a hind foot,” Baffert said. “Today, he looked normal. He came out and was fine…It’s one of those things that we’re not worried about.”

With the condition likely arising from his run over a sloppy/sealed track in the Derby, Baffert said he expects to walk Justify for four days before resuming training ahead of the GI Preakness S. May 19. The five-time Derby-winning trainer added that he was very pleased with Justify’s energy level in the days following his victory.

 

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