‘All seems good’ with Justify in final Belmont 2018 breeze

This time of year, there’s little chance for trainer Bob Baffert to escape the task at hand, that his chestnut colt, Justify, is only days away from running for a Triple Crown.

Walking through the airport, “Complete strangers are telling me, ‘Good luck in the Belmont,’” Baffert said. “I think it brings a lot of people to the game — to the sport.”

And to Churchill Downs.

Justify was led to the track Monday by Baffert’s top assistant, Jimmy Barnes, for his final work ahead of Saturday’s 2018 Belmont Stakes. In tow were dozens of onlookers: media, owners, and some no doubt just there to revel.

Under jockey Martin Garcia, the son of Scat Daddy breezed through five furlongs in 1:01.40 before galloping out 6/8 of a mile in 1:13.60 and seven panels in 1:27.20.

“He went smooth. He relaxed nice,” Baffert said. “Last time, he was a little bit fresh, I think, and really wanted to do a little more. Came back — Martin was happy with him and said he didn’t take a deep breath. All seems good.”

Justify is expected to walk the shed row Tuesday and should train Wednesday before boarding a plane for New York, where he’s expected to face 10 rivals in looking for a sweep of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont.

Of course, it was just three years ago that the Baffert barn ended a 37-year drought between Triple Crown sweeps with American Pharoah. This colt has bucked some history of his own having just debuted in February and become only the second-ever Derby winner who didn’t race at age 2.

“He just came out of nowhere, so he’s picking up steam,” Baffert said of the 1 1/2-mile Belmont. “People say the same thing. ‘Oh, he’s so beautiful. What a beautiful horse.’

“He’s become a rock star like Pharoah. Let’s see if he can do it.”

The 12-furlong distance and fresh horses are among the obstacles Justify will have to overcome Saturday. Baffert said the break — even American Pharoah nearly missed it in the Belmont, taking a step back in the gate — is especially important.

This will be a week of pins and needles for the connections. But Baffert also feels he has a “seasoned horse” now who has successfully shipped and won and triumphed despite tough pace scenarios.

“We were talking about how he couldn’t win the Derby because he was lightly raced,” Baffert said. “Now he can’t win the Belmont because he’s raced too much, you know? There’s always something.”