Reports: Baffert says no Travers, Pacific Classic for Justify

Speaking to media Monday morning with his string having relocated to Del Mar, trainer Bob Baffert announced that Justify will not be considered for a race at the seaside oval, with the Grade 1 Pacific Classic on Aug. 18 against older horses a speculated option.

Baffert also told reporters that Saratoga's Grade 1 Travers Stakes for 3-year-olds is off the table.

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Connections relayed last week that the unbeaten Triple Crown winner is out of serious training -- he continues to walk the shed row -- due to swelling in his left-front ankle.

“Right now, we’re just looking to get him 100 percent,” Baffert said. “We’re in a holding pattern. I’d love to run him again, because he’s so much fun and exciting to watch. We should know more in a couple of weeks.”

The Nov. 3 Breeders' Cup Classic remains possible. It is unclear whether the son of Scat Daddy would be able to prep for it or enter on what would be a nearly five-month layoff.

Parx Racing runs the Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby -- a race Baffert won last year with eventual 3-year-old champion West Coast -- on Sept. 22. On Sept. 29, Santa Anita Park stages the Grade 1 Awesome Again with older horses, offering a "Win and You're In" spot to the Classic.   

With Justify's plans unknown, the Wynn Las Vegas has in the meantime taken the former 5-2 favorite off the board in its latest round of Breeders' Cup Classic odds.