The 144th "Run for the Roses" looms at the end of the week. The depth and talent that resides among the field for this year's running is extraordinary, ensuring that the colt who emerges victorious will be forever remembered as a legend among his peers. There are several colts who stand out as likely winners of this race, but perhaps the most talked about horse leading up to this major event is, Justify.
There is a unique aura about Justify, that swirls with a mixture of potential greatness and mystery. The flashy son of the late, Scat Daddy has only raced three times, leaving a whirlwind of questions in his wake. However, with each race came a trip to the winner's circle, suggesting that he might just be something special. The colt is both untested and unbeaten, and that makes him a very interesting contender for the Kentucky Derby.
Justify is a horse that seemingly came out of nowhere and took the racing world by storm. While many of his peers were competing and winning races at the age of two, Justify resided in the shadows. The big, crimson colt didn't even compete in a race until the age of three, when he entered a seven-furlong maiden race at Santa Anita Park. Justify was quick to make short work of his competition, and obliterated his rivals by 9-1/2 crushing lengths. His head-turning performance got people talking, and the hype hasn't stopped since.
Justify made his second start in a one-mile allowance race. Once again, he ran his challengers off their feet, cruising to glory by nearly seven lengths. The ease in which the young horse dominated his rivals drew comparisons to legendary runners, such as the 1989 Belmont Stakes champion, Easy Goer, and the 2001 Preakness and Belmont winner, Point Given. However, as impressive as Justify was, his performances wouldn't be enough to earn him a place in the starting gate on the first Saturday in May. In order to earn his place in Louisville, Justify would have to prove his strength and heart among the best, and that is exactly what he did.
Justify entered the Grade I, Santa Anita Derby in pursuit of the coveted Derby points. It was his only chance to earn a place in the Kentucky Derby, and the odds were already against him. With only two starts to his name and absolutely no stakes experience, pulling off a win would be a substantial feat. Not to mention, Justify would be going head to head with the highly regarded and immensely talented, Bolt d'Oro.
Securing a place in the Kentucky Derby in what is only your third race ever is a tremendous task, but Justify proved up to the challenge. Undaunted by the test, Justify launched to the lead and never looked back. If someone wanted the glory they would have to come and take it from him, for Justify was unwilling to relinquish his commanding position. The striking beast pounded over the ground, rolling through furlong after furlong with unwavering energy. When the field barreled around the final bend, multiple graded stakes winner, Bolt d'Oro, made a bold run at Justify, but was quickly shut down and blown away. Justify soared to a three length advantage in he stretch and punched his ticket to Louisville. The performance became even more impressive after the race, when it was discovered that Justify had run the entire 1 1/8 race with a sprung shoe. It became clear that whatever Justify lacked in experience, he made up for with the burning desire the win.
In all three victories, Justify has charged over the wire completely alone. He has yet to meet a rival that can get close to him, proving that he has a passion for the game, and the natural ability to execute a winning performance. However, the Kentucky Derby will be unlike anything this young horse has ever faced. Justify has never faced a large field, so he will be in for a big shock when he finds himself breaking from the gate with nineteen rivals on Saturday. The inexperience will be playing against Justify in the Kentucky Derby for sure, but his raw talent and competitive drive might be enough to see him through.
Justify's lack of experience isn't the only thing that will be going against him in the Kentucky Derby. In a unique twist, Justify will not only be up against history, but also an entire curse that has plagued the track of Churchill Downs for 136 years. No horse has ever crossed the finish line first in the Kentucky Derby without racing at the age of two, since Apollo in 1882. Since Justify failed to make a start as a two-year-old, he will be attempting to not only outrun his rivals, but history, as well.
There is no doubting the fact that Justify has an abundance of potential, but whether or not he will be able to put it all together in America's greatest race is yet to be seen. Diving into such an imposing, major race with only three races worth of experience, and only one stakes event, will be a monumental task. Achieving victory appears nearly impossible in such a situation. Yet, somehow, Justify has found a way to keep the nation captivated as we close in on the Kentucky Derby.
Perhaps the public's belief in Justify stems from the fact that he has managed to accomplish so much in such a short amount of time. Or perhaps it comes from the aura of magnificence that he exudes. Justify has a flawless stride that propels him over the ground with startling ease and grace. His swift, efficient moves and glory-driven attitude have been enough to bring him to the Kentucky Derby, so maybe it will be enough to bring him to the winner's circle, as well. Justify has earned his way here for a reason, and on Saturday the hype that has surrounded this colt for months will finally be justified, or forgotten.
Thank you to Gary Tasich for the beautiful photos!
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