Baffert sets Kentucky Derby preps for Justify, McKinzie

Justify will ship out and McKinzie remain in California for final 2018 Kentucky Derby preps, trainer Bob Baffert first told the Daily Racing Form on Friday.

"It could change but that's the plan right now," Baffert added to the Los Angeles Times.

Unbeaten in two starts, with his last a two-turn allowance victory Sunday at Santa Anita Park, Justify will go next April 14 in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park. The colt didn't race until February but has earned triple-digit Beyer Speed Figures in both his starts, including a 104 for his seven-furlong debut that's the fastest so far from the 3-year-old crop.

McKinzie, who was first across the wire but disqualified to second in last Saturday's Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes, will indeed get his rematch going another 1/16 of a mile in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 7. Unbeaten until the controversial DQ, McKinzie is likely already qualified for the Kentucky Derby on points earned.

Baffert's other 3-year-old barn star, Solomini, runs in Saturday's Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park. The Hall of Fame trainer has expressed an interest in sending a horse to the Florida Derby at some point as well.