Like he did in the Kentucky Derby (G1), Justify drew post seven in the $1.5 million Preakness S. (G1) as he attempts to capture the second leg of the Triple Crown this Saturday, May 19.
Justify's Derby win vaulted the colt's earnings to $2,098,000 for the partnership of WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners and Starlight Racing.
Unlike the 20-horse field in the Derby, however, Justify will face only seven foes in the 1 3/16-mile contest. The unbeaten colt did not record a breeze since winning the May 5 Derby, but was full of energy as he came off the van upon arrival at Pimlico on Wednesday afternoon.
“He's wearing me out,” trainer Bob Baffert said to the assembled press corp after walking the chestnut son of Scat Daddy around the shedrow.
Among those that Justify will face in Saturday's 13th race is Quip, winner of the Tampa Bay Derby (G2), Kentucky Derby runner-up Good Magic, as well as Derby 6th and 8th place finishers Bravazo and Lone Sailor.
A win by Justify on Saturday would give Baffert seven wins the Preakness. His prior four Derby winners, Silver Charm, Real Quiet, War Emblem and American Pharoah, all won the Preakness, along with Lookin At Lucky and Point Given.
Mike Smith will once again be aboard Justify on Saturday. The Preakness will be televised live on NBC-TV; post time is 6:48 p.m. ET.