Justify ‘looks fantastic’ and ready to roll as history beckons in Belmont Stakes

Justify bids to become the 13th Triple Crown winner at Belmont Park on Saturday. Watch Christina Blacker's interview with Bob Baffert from Luck On Sunday, get the latest from America on Friday and read who rival trainers think will win the final race in the Triple Crown series.

Bob Baffert believes Justify is in the form of his life ahead of his bid for racing immortality in the Belmont Stakes.

It is just three short years since the Baffert-trained American Pharoah became the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 and only the 12th horse in history to win the Triple Crown.

The Hall of Fame trainer can hardly believe his luck as he prepares to saddle another major candidate for the holy grail of the American racing so soon afterwards, with Justify set to go off a hot favourite to add to his May triumphs in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.

Baffert watched the Evens favourite enjoy a final blowout on the Belmont Park dirt track on Friday morning and could not have been happier with what he saw.

He said: “He’s doing really well. He’s just come back from exercise and, honestly, we couldn’t be happier with him.

“We’re all excited. I’m feeling pretty good about everything.”

Justify had to battle through sloppy conditions at Churchill Downs and Pimlico, but is set to encounter a faster surface in New York this weekend.

Baffert believes underfoot conditions could see his charge in an even better light and is hopeful being drawn in stall one will not be an inconvenience as he steps up to a mile and a half for the first time.

“The weather is looking good and I think a dry track will suit him much better,” Baffert added.

“He’s drawn the one hole, but he’s going a mile and a half and I’d much rather him get it now than in the Derby, that’s for sure.

“He needs to get away clean and get into a nice, relaxed rhythm.”

In between the Triple Crown successes of Affirmed and American Pharoah, 12 horses managed to win the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness but failed to complete the hat-trick in the Belmont.

I’ll Have Another in 2012 failed to run in the final leg after suffering injury and those beaten at Belmont include such luminaries as Spectacular Bid (1979), Alysheba (1987), Sunday Silence (1989), and, most recently, California Chrome (2014).

Baffert saddled Silver Charm and Real Quiet to finish second in consecutive years in 1997 and 1998.

Comparing Justify to American Pharoah, the trainer said: “He’s an incredible horse, he has the same talent (as American Pharoah) and he really looks fantastic.

“He’s a big horse, but he’s quick and really light on his feet and I think he’s getting better and better.

“It looks like all his racing has caught up with him, but in a good way. He looks like a real racehorse now.

“You just hope he gets away clean and gets racing luck and then we’ll see whether it’s meant to be or not.

“After that destiny takes over.”

Read what US trainers think who will win Saturday's Belmont Stakes:

Trainer Phil Bauer – “I think it’s a Churchill Downs exacta – Justify and Tenfold.”

Trainer “Buff” Bradley – “I liked Hofburg and Good Magic in the Derby so I’ll have to think Hofburg will run well in the Belmont. It will obviously be tough to beat Justify.”

Trainer Pat Byrne – “Can’t Justify any other horse.”

Trainer Bret Calhoun – “I don’t think anyone will be able to beat Justify. It was interesting looking at the track condition for the Preakness. It sort of seemed like the track was pretty sticky and Bob (Baffert) and Jimmy (Barnes) told me the horses looked exhausted cooling out after the race. However, the way Justify was able to bounce out of that race and train the last few weeks here at Churchill, it showed me he is in great shape for the Belmont.”

Trainer Norm Casse – “If Justify doesn’t bring his top game, I like Vino Rosso.”

Trainer Brad Cox – “I think it’s either Justify or Hofburg.”

Trainer Tim Glyshaw – “In my opinion, Justify will win. You have to be close to the pace to win 1 ½-mile races and I don’t think anyone else can stay close to him.”

Trainer Neil Howard – “He just sort of takes your breath away. The way Bob’s program is run is phenomenal. Everyone involved is so crucial to getting a horse to compete at the highest level to win the Triple Crown. I love what he’s been able to do with Martin Garcia. He knows the horse so well and Bob trusts Martin to give the right feedback while he’s on horseback. Martin is a true student of the game and I think that helps make Justify successful.”

Trainer Rob O’Connor II – “I certainly wouldn’t want to bet against Justify. For all we know, he may not have even liked a wet track. He looked the best horses in the eye in the Preakness and still held them off.”

Trainer Dallas Stewart – “You have to go with Justify. In my opinion he’s the fastest horse in the race.”