Justify's next race plans on hold, ankle to be 'checked out'

Justify's next race plans will have to wait, connections announced Tuesday, with trainer Bob Baffert saying the Triple Crown winner will be "checked out" for swelling in one of his legs.

An unbeaten son of Scat Daddy, Justify hasn't worked out since winning the June 9 Belmont Stakes but did remain in training following his sweep of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont.

“Justify had some filling in his left front ankle a week ago, which subsided in a couple days,” said trainer Bob Baffert. “I trained him last week and the filling came back. We want to get him checked out.”

According to a news release from managing owner WinStar Farm, Justify didn't go the track the latter part of last week but "had been in full training" for a late summer campaign.

Wednesday's announcement means Monmouth Park's July 29 Haskell Invitational (G1) is now no longer an option. The door may not be closed, however, on the Aug. 25 Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga.

Elliott Walden, Winstar's president and CEO, has said the Nov. 3 Breeders' Cup Classic at Churchill Downs is the long-range goal for Justify.

“To go from a maiden winner in February to an undefeated Triple Crown winner in June has been an incredible ride,” Walden said. “He is too special to the owners, our team, and all the fans he has around the world to not be 100% healthy. As far as any future plans for him, they will be decided after we get him checked out. He is an amazing horse, and we are blessed by his presence.”