All systems go for Justify heading to Belmont Stakes

Five days out from his bid to be the sport’s 13th Triple Crown champion, Justify continues to look primed for his run at history.

The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner was again impressive in his final work for Saturday’s Belmont Stakes, covering 5 furlongs in 1:01.40 at Churchill Downs.

The son of Scat Daddy did so under the watchful eye of trainer Bob Baffert, who was pleased with the effort.

“It was a really nice breeze and exactly what we were looking for,” said Baffert, according to Churchill Downs.

“He relaxed nicely and seemed very happy. Martin was very happy with him as well so I was happy, too. He was a little fresh earlier in the week so it was good to see him relax nicely.”

Baffert is expected to have two Belmont entries. Restoring Hope, who breezed 6 furlongs in 1:13 on Monday, is also expected to run. Restoring Hope finished third in the Grade 2 Wood Memorial before finishing 12th on a sloppy track in the Pat Day Mile on Kentucky Derby day.

“Restoring Hope went really well,” Baffert said.

“He’s always been a really good work horse. He’s sort of a onepaced horse. He went a little faster than Justify but I thought overall the work was very good.”

Both Justify and Restoring Hope will leave Louisville for New York on Wednesday.

Post time for Saturday’s race at Belmont Park is scheduled for 6:46 p.m.

Mike Smith will ride Justify, who is a perfect five-for-five in his career.

Florent Geroux will ride Restoring Hope.