Justify Returns to Track Ahead of Preakness Bid

[Wandering Eyes]

WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, Starlight Racing and Head of Plains Partners’ GI Kentucky Derby winner Justify (Scat Daddy) returned to the track at Churchill Downs Thursday morning for the first time since his historic victory beneath the Twin Spires Saturday. The undefeated colt was the first horse on the track at 7:30 following a maintenance break and proceeded to gallop about 1 1/2 miles beneath exercise rider Humberto Gomez. Jimmy Barnes, head assistant to trainer Bob Baffert, said he was pleased with the appearance of Justify–who came out of the Derby with a bruised left hind heel.

“I was very happy with him,” Barnes said of the ‘TDN Rising Star.’ “He went to the track perfect and galloped perfect. I couldn’t be happier with him.”

Barnes said Justify has bounced back from his 2 1/2-length triumph, as well as the heel bruise, with gusto.

“Each day he was getting better,” Barnes said. “He is 100%. He was ready to go (today). He was getting a little pushy in his stall.”

Among those on hand to watch the gallop was Elliott Walden, President and CEO of WinStar Farm.

“I thought he went great,” Walden said. “The last couple of days he has looked good in the shed, but you never know until you get them out there. He has dealt with a cracked heel off and on and that is typical of horses. The track was rough Saturday with all the rain. The first time we saw [the heel] was when he came out for [the media] Sunday. We had to figure out what it was and work on it.”

Trainer Tom Amoss, who sent out GMB Racing’s Lone Sailor (Majestic Warrior) to an eighth-place finish in the Derby, also weighed in on Justify’s condition on Twitter.

“Justify looked exactly the same [Thursday] as he looked training before the Kentucky Derby,” Amoss commented.

Justify is scheduled to remain at Churchill Downs until early next week, when he will ship to Pimlico for the May 19 GI Preakness S.

“We will stick to the same plan and go a little light into Baltimore,” Barnes said. “Just keep him happy and healthy.”

 

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