Kentucky Derby 2018 Daily: Justify already Baffert's ‘Big Red’
Welcome to Horse Racing Nation’s Kentucky Derby Daily, which will each day leading up to the May 5 race at Churchill Downs detail all the news and notes related to contenders in one convenient space.
Trainer Bob Baffert noted this week that around his Southern California barn, Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby favorite Justify already goes by “Big Red.” And the historical significance — Triple Crown winner Secretariat had the same nickname — can’t possibly be lost on the Hall of Fame conditioner.
But the moniker appears less a reflection of expectations around the 2018 Kentucky Derby hopeful, and simply about his appearance.
“We’re always looking for the big red son of a gun, but he’s got to pass this test before we start calling him anything special,” Baffert said.
Santa Anita has already dubbed Saturday’s showdown with Bolt d’Oro “race of the year,” with an essential match race expected between the two top choices.
Bolt d’Oro has the points to qualify for the Kentucky Derby regardless of his finish. Justify, an unbeaten son of Scat Daddy, needs to finish first or second to move on to Churchill Downs.
“Any horse who’s only won an allowance race and is picked by an expert like Jeff Siegel to win the Santa Anita Derby, and is made the 4-5 favorite by the odds maker, clearly indicates how high Justify is rated by pros in the know,” said Bolt d’Oro’s owner and trainer, Mick Ruis.
“Bolt’s going to be up against it, but don’t get me wrong. We really want to win the Santa Anita Derby. It’s not the end-all and do-all,” however. “We’re planning to get out of this in good shape and then get every inch of the mile and a quarter at Churchill Downs.”
One other point about Justify, who didn’t get to the races until February: that wasn’t because of an apparent setback. Baffert said he’s never had an issue.
“They never told me why he was late to the races,” the trainer said. “I am just very fortunate that I have him.”
Saturday handicapping tools
For the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby:
Picks | Odds and Analysis | Free PPs
For the Grade 2 Wood Memorial:
Picks | Odds and Analysis | Free PPs
For the Grade 2 Blue Grass Stakes:
Picks | Odds and Analysis | Free PPs
Quip’s on the move
Connections will opt to scratch Quip from the Blue Grass and run him next weekend at Oaklawn Park.
“Of course, Justify has the same ownership in my horse,” said trainer Rodolphe Brisset. “The fact he went for the Grade 1 in California kind of opened … for us to run in a Grade 1 instead of a Grade 2. It’s really, really why you make the move. WinStar, China Horse Club and SF Racing are looking for a stallion and Grade 1 winner, so running in a Grade 2 doesn’t really change anything for them.”
The ownership group has struck before on Arkansas’ road to Churchill, winning the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes a year ago with One Liner. Quip, who has won three of four career starts, most recently took the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby. The Distorted Humor colt breezed a half mile in 48.60 seconds Friday morning.
Derby works begin
Two horses qualified for the Kentucky Derby on points — and finished with their prep seasons — drilled through their first workouts Friday toward the May 5 race.
Louisiana Derby winner Noble Indy clocked a half mile in 50.20 seconds at Palm Beach Downs, trainer Todd Pletcher’s winter base. Still in New Mexico, Sunland Derby winner Runaway Ghost began his preparations with a five-furlong breeze in 1:03.40.
“I thought it was good for his first work back. I was happy,” Pletcher told the Daily Racing Form, with Noble Indy working alongside recent Grade 2 winner Ivy Bell.“It was just a maintenance-type work to get things started. We’ll put him in blinkers when we get a little more serious in his next few works.”
Pletcher typically brings his Derby runners to Churchill Downs with time for a breeze over the track. Plans are similar for Runaway Ghost, who's trained by Todd Fincher.
Derby links
• Trainer Chad Brown, who arrived at Keeneland for Friday morning’s training, said he’s “cautiously optimistic” when it comes to Good Magic’s chances in the Blue Grass Stakes.
• Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 4 opened Friday and runs through 6 p.m. Sunday. Before placing your bets, get a look at the free past performances.
• HRN’s “HorseCenter” crew went all in this week previewing the Kentucky Derby preps, offering video looks at the Santa Anita Derby, Blue Grass Stakes and Wood Memorial.
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