Bruised heel won’t keep Justify off the track

A hesitant step by Justify the morning after winning the Kentucky Derby was enough to create quite the scare.

All the fuss was over a bruised heel on his left hind foot.

Trainer Bob Baffert believes the trouble is over now and that it won’t keep Justify from running in the Preakness with a very real chance at the Triple Crown.

Baffert said Thursday Justify is doing well and is on track to run in the May 19 race. The veteran trainer attributed the injury to the muddy track at Churchill Downs for the Derby and tender feet.

“We were treating it for a cracked heel, but it never developed because we didn’t let it develop,” Baffert said.

“It’s all behind us, and we’re on to Baltimore.”

Justify returned to the track at Churchill Downs to gallop Thursday, with assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes reporting to Baffert that the Derby winner was sharp. Veteran trainer D. Wayne Lukas also watched closely and said Justify looked excellent.

“He jogged off perfectly sound, he turned around and galloped very strong,” said Lukas, who is expected to saddle Bravazo and Sporting Chance in the Preakness.

“I know everybody was watching and looking for a little crack in the armour, but it wasn’t there today and he looked excellent out there. Very good. And showed no signs of what I call stress — breaking out or anything. It was a good day for him. He had a wonderful day.”

Justify got in a good day on the track after Baffert rested him following the foot condition that he initially referred to as scratches similar to diaper rash. Elliott Walden of WinStar Farm, which co-owns Justify, was worried when the horse didn’t want to put his heel down but credited Baffert and his team for moving quickly with treatment.

“Obviously it’s something that was concerning at the time,” Walden said. “I was certainly pleased with the way he galloped this morning, and I think that would be a very good indication that the bruise is behind him.”

Justify is undefeated in four starts and expected to be a heavy favourite against Tampa Bay Derby winner Quip and others at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.