Trainer Bob Baffert will run his top prospect for the Kentucky Derby Justify in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on Saturday April 7. Justify is undefeated in his only two starts.
Following a workout on the track on Monday, Baffert said Justify would run there. Baffert said Justify went nice and looked as though he handled the track well.
In Wednesday’s draw no additional suspense was added to the running of the Derby on Saturday, with neither of the two favorites in the field of seven receiving a disadvantaged post.
McKinzie’s trainer Baffert said the Derby will most likely not happen, but the Preakness remains a long shot.
Justify opened the eyes of racing pundits when he won on February 18 by 9 ½ lengths and followed that with his second race winning by 6 ½ lengths.
Nevertheless, without stakes experience, he does not have a single Kentucky Derby point and will need to finish in first or second Saturday to preserve a spot in Louisville.
The remainder of Saturday’s Santa Anita field includes Orbit Rain, who is starting from post No. 2 and 50 to 1; Jimmy Chila at 30 to 1 from post No.4: Pepe Tono at 20 to 1 from post No. 5; and Core Beliefs at 20 to 1 leaving from post No. 7.
The race goes off as the ninth on the ticket at approximately 3:30 pm PST.
No way the improving favorite Justify loses this one. Trainer Bob Baffert lost one of his Derby Favorites McKenzie early last week but his deep stable now focuses on Justify as this unproven Colt takes another step forward. Hoping to find value in the Exacta and Trifecta see plays below.
$500 Win Wager Justify $50 Exacta Wheel - #6 Justify with #1 Instilled Regard and #7 Core Beliefs $1 Trifecta Wheel - #6 Justify with #1 Instilled Regard and #7 Core Beliefs with ALL