Kentucky Derby 2018 favorite Justify arrives with fanfare
After what assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes called an “uneventful” trip, 2018 Kentucky Derby favorite Justify walked off the van Monday afternoon and into Barn 33 at Churchill Downs.
“A lot of press — it looks like we already ran the race,” Barnes told a crowd of reporters awaiting the unbeaten colt’s arrival. “That means something. That means you have a solid horse for the Kentucky Derby.”
Indeed, Justify is lightly raced having just debuted in February. But he’s won each race with the ease that should make him the morning line favorite following Tuesday’s post position draw.
The last horse Barnes oversaw for boss Bob Baffert with this much fanfare? Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.
"It’s the only way I’d want to do it,” Barnes said. “…He’s got some big shoes to fill if you’re going to compare them, but he’s moved on each race. He’s lightly raced, and he’s handled the pressure of each step.
“Next week’s going to be the big step, and we’ll out really where we’re at.”
Along with Justify, stablemate Solomini arrived on a flight from the West Coast also carrying Kentucky Derby contenders Bolt d’Oro and Instilled Regard.
“We won’t need to do much here — just get them over the surface, show them the paddock area and lead them over race day,” said Barnes, with the Baffert barn expected to school its horses during Tuesday’s races at Churchill.
As Justify stepped onto the grounds, Barnes told the colt, “Welcome to Louisville.” And he allowed the horse to pose for the cameras briefly before adding, “OK, that’s enough.”
“He’s a little excited in the barn right now, but he’s got a very good mind on him,” Barnes said. “I think being able to get through the paddock on Derby Day — they only see that kind of day once. I believe he’ll be fine.”
Also arriving for the Baffert barn was West Coast, the champion 3-year-old last seen running second in the Dubai World Cup. The Grade 1 Stephen Foster Handicap — a “Win and You’re In” race toward the Breeders’ Cup Classic, also at Churchill Downs — runs later in the meet.