Justify Still Taking It Easy at Santa Anita
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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Justify the morning after his Belmont Stakes win
Almost a month after Justify's Triple Crown-clinching victory in the Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1), trainer Bob Baffert is still taking it relatively easy on his undefeated superstar.
Baffert considered breezing the Scat Daddy colt this week at Santa Anita Park, but a variety of factors changed the trainer's mind, and Justify did not go to the track for training July 5. A future race target has not been disclosed by Justify's connections.
"He's finally showing that he's a horse," Baffert said, in reference to the strain of the Triple Crown run, in which the chestnut colt won six races in 112 days. "He lightened up a bit, and we're trying to get a little weight on him. The only way to get weight back on is to back off a little. I can just tell he needs a little more time."
Record-setting heat expected in the Los Angeles area the remainder of the week also played a part.
"With the heat and all of that, we've got to be a little careful," Baffert said. "There's no timeline (for his next breeze)."
Baffert said there have been positive signs from the four-time grade 1 winner around the barn as well.
"He still looks bright," the trainer said. "If you put your arm out there, he'll try to take it away from you. As long as he's in attack mode, he's good."