Justify (1655 Views)

Many like Justify because he is trained by Bob Baffert. Baffert's record in the Kentucky Derby is, I suppose, second to none. But for regular players such as those who frequent this site. The horse is most important.

I have watched one of his recent workouts and was left with a couple impression and several thoughts. Which I'm compelled to share before his next work which will probably create headlines.

Link To Workout Video

First impression is that he seems very much an immature colt. Second impression is that he is supremely athletic. Thirdly, he appears to have a tremendous stride not unlike a top turf horse.

Baffert works him slow for some reason. I suspect to protect him. Why did he not start as a 2 y/o? His long stride could make KD trip problematic. If he gets a clean trip it is not hard to imagine everyone else running for second. Rather third behind a Calif/Euro exacta in a historic race.

Further, I can imagine him running off (in one scenario) and secondly making a stretch run for the ages, if he gets a troubled trip. Certainly it is possible he flops. Yet if he lays over this group as he might, is 5/2 such a terrible proposition. Those who don't think he lays over the others, may not be familiar with the horse.

As expected the chatter is about how many in the field could win. My thought still is how many can win without going forward. That is, how many are already fast enough, if they run their race on May Day.

Then again there was Nyquist go figure.