Belmont 2018's Justify 'thriving' on Triple Crown schedule

Bob Baffert, who had already labeled dual classic winner Justify a LeBron James type of horse, said Thursday he considers American Pharoah to be his barn’s Michael Jordan.

It’s a timely analogy, given the real James has reinvigorated the “who’s greater?” debate by making the NBA Finals with little supporting cast. Perhaps Justify could do the same in the equine category with his record at 5-for-5 heading into the 2018 Belmont Stakes, where he’ll look to follow Pharoah as the second Triple Crown winner in four decades.

Baffert said jockey Martin Garcia, who was up Tuesday for Justify’s workout at Churchill Downs, mentioned while traveling back that, “Man, this horse is starting to act like Pharoah — that greatness.” The Hall of Fame trainer’s response: “I hope so, because he’s going to have to really lay it out there.”

The son of Scat Daddy has given Baffert little to doubt coming out of his Kentucky Derby and then Preakness Stakes victories. To add, the early June 9 forecast for Belmont Park is devoid of rain, and those close to Justify have said he stands to run better over a fast track. That’s the surface on which he received his highest career Beyer Speed Figure of 107 three starts back in the Santa Anita Derby.

All of this has happened since Justify’s Feb. 18 debut. If it’s not the Belmont’s unique mile-and-a-half challenge that catches up with the colt, detractors say, it could be his compact racing schedule.

“It’s an incredible journey,” Baffert said. “It’s been quick. He’s handled everything — what we’ve thrown at him — and he handles it without really losing his composure. A lot of horses, you run them that many times and they’ll start getting a little bit nervous or hot. He seems like he’s thriving on it.

“He’s just a very intelligent horse. I think that’s his biggest asset. Not only is he a great athlete, but his mind — I couldn’t believe the way he stood in the paddock at the Kentucky Derby, and then in the Preakness standing there like he’s been there so many times before.

Justify returned to the track for a jog Thursday at Churchill Downs in the care of Baffert’s top assistant, Jimmy Barnes, who reported that “it was exactly what we wanted to see” coming out of the breeze. Two days earlier, Justify had blazed through four furlongs in 46.80 seconds.

“He’s just enjoying what he’s doing,” Baffert said. “If you keep a horse at that level where they still enjoy it, that’s the whole key. It’s going to be difficult. It’s tough. Mile and a half’s going to be tough, but he’s doing really well.”

Justify could breeze again Monday before shipping to New York on Wednesday for the Belmont Stakes. He’s expected to face nine rivals, including Preakness runner-up Bravazo and third-place finisher Tenfold.

In the 2015 Belmont, American Pharoah ran right to the lead and stayed there. Baffert said Justify could look for early positioning, but shouldn’t mind rating off another pace setter.

And as for what’s sure to be a raucous atmosphere getting to the horse? He doesn’t expect it.

“He’s a very fearless type of horse,” Baffert said. “That’s one thing about him. I know if you go up to his stall, he’ll push you around. He’s just an ‘A’ personality type horse. I think that’s another strong point that he has. He has no fear. That’s the way he’s always been. He handles things really well.”