Justify states its Derby case

Justify vaulted into the role of probable Kentucky Derby favorite with a three-length victory over Bolt d’Oro in the $1 million Santa Anita Derby in Arcadia, Calif.

Trained by Bob Baffert and winner of his three career starts by a combined 19 lengths, Justify had to finish first or second on Saturday to earn enough qualifying points to run in the Derby on May 5. It wasn’t a problem. Justify led all the way under Mike Smith to claim the 100 points toward qualifying for the Run for the Roses.

The colt ran 11⁄8 miles in 1:49.72 as the 3-5 favorite in the field of seven.

Bolt d’Oro and Javier Castellano chased Justify into the stretch turn. Castellano moved his colt down toward the rail and they ranged up on Justify’s flank, but it never seriously threatened. Justify continued to pull away approaching the finish line.

Wood Memorial: Vino Rosso survived a stewards’ inquiry to win the $1 million race and earn 100 points toward qualifying for the Kentucky Derby.

Ridden by John Velazquez, Vino Rosso ran 11⁄8 miles in 1:49.79 at Aqueduct for trainer Todd Pletcher.

Vino Rosso and Enticed hooked up at the top of the stretch and dueled until Vino Rosso pulled away nearing the finish.

It appeared that Vino Rosso came over and bumped Enticed along the rail hard twice in the stretch.

That prompted the stewards’ inquiry and an objection but after video review, there was no change to the order of finish.

Blue Grass Stakes: Good Magic overtook Flameaway entering the stretch to win the $1 million race by 11⁄2 lengths at Keeneland and earn 100 points toward qualifying for next month’s Kentucky Derby.

Good Magic, last year’s 2-yearold champion and the 8-5 favorite, waited through a far-turn battle between Flameaway and Arawak before taking control and winning the Grade 2 race.