Triple Crown hopeful Justify arrives at Belmont Park

NEW YORK — Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Justify arrived in New York on Wednesday ahead of this weekend’s Belmont Stakes, in which the colt will try to win the Triple Crown.

Justify traveled smoothly to Belmont Park via a flight from Louisville, Ky., and a van ride from an airport on Long Island. He was greeted by a throng of media recording every step as he walked into Barn1, the same place American Pharoah stayed before ending the sport’s 37-year Triple Crown drought in 2015 and becoming the 12th horse to achieve the feat.

“It’s just a different vibe,” said Bob Baffert, who also trained American Pharoah. “It’s like we know it can be done.”

Justify will face nine rivals Saturday in the 11⁄ mile Belmont, the longest and most Belmont Park, Elmont, N.Y. Saturday, approximately 6:37 p.m. TV: Chs. 11, 4 grueling of the three-race series. He brings a 5-0 career record to the race in which the colt is the morning-line favorite at 4-5 odds.

“Now he has to just close the deal,” Baffert said. “It’s a lot of pressure, too. You’re in New York. The place is going to be rocking. You want to see superstars.”

Justify will step onto Belmont Park’s deep, sandy surface for the first time today. Baffert had yet to decide exactly what the colt will do the next two days. His major training has been completed.

Hofburg, the early 9-2 second choice, galloped Wednesday. Bravazo, the Preakness runner-up, also galloped.