Baffert expects 'big race' from Belmont 2018 contender Restoring Hope

Restoring Hope, trainer Bob Baffert's other entry in the 2018 Belmont Stakes, has been called a speed horse, a promising colt capable of setting a pace that could be helpful in stablemate Justify's bid to become the 13th Triple Crown winner on Saturday.

On Friday, though, Baffert said Restoring Hope fits in as well as any other horse in the field of 10 for the Belmont, and he expects his "other horse" to come up with a strong effort.

"I expect Restoring Hope to run a big race, too,'' said Baffert, who has won the Belmont twice before with Point Given (2001) and Triple Crown winner American Pharoah (2015). "Restoring Hope is training really well. And he's well-bred to go 1 1/2 miles."

Owned by Gary and Mary West, Restoring Hope is a son of 2000 European Horse of the Year Giant's Causeway, out of Symbol of Freedom by Tapit, who has sired three of the last four Belmont Stakes winners.

Despite a 12th-place finish in the Grade 3 Pat Day Mile in the slop at Churchill Downs on May 5, Baffert believed early on the colt was Derby worthy. Prior to that race, he ran second in his first two starts, and then broke his maiden on February 2 and finished third in the Grade 2 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April 7.

"I really thought he was going to be in the Kentucky Derby,'' said Baffert. "He showed me that kind of talent. I think he's just as good as any of the horses in there."

Florent Geroux will be aboard for the first time.

Baffert said Restoring Hope will run without blinkers.

"We think he'll run better without them. He was getting a little aggressive,'' said Baffert.

As for the chances of his own horse spoiling his bid for a second Triple Crown, Baffert said: "The owners, they'd love to knock off Justify. That's why we're in the game."