Speaking to media Monday morning with his string having relocated to Del Mar, trainer Bob Baffert announced that Justify will not be considered for a race at the seaside oval, with the Grade 1 Pacific Classic on Aug. 18 against older horses a speculated option.
Baffert also told reporters that Saratoga's Grade 1 Travers Stakes for 3-year-olds is off the table.
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Baffert makes it official: Triple Crown winner Justify will *not* run at Del Mar. So Pacific Classic is out. Says Travers is out, too. Possibility: @BreedersCup Classic. @DelMarRacing
— Bryce Miller (@Bryce_A_Miller) July 16, 2018
“Right now, we’re just looking to get him 100 percent,” Baffert said. “We’re in a holding pattern. I’d love to run him again, because he’s so much fun and exciting to watch. We should know more in a couple of weeks.”
The Nov. 3 Breeders' Cup Classic remains possible. It is unclear whether the son of Scat Daddy would be able to prep for it or enter on what would be a nearly five-month layoff.
Parx Racing runs the Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby -- a race Baffert won last year with eventual 3-year-old champion West Coast -- on Sept. 22. On Sept. 29, Santa Anita Park stages the Grade 1 Awesome Again with older horses, offering a "Win and You're In" spot to the Classic.
With Justify's plans unknown, the Wynn Las Vegas has in the meantime taken the former 5-2 favorite off the board in its latest round of Breeders' Cup Classic odds.
The Silver Fox Bob Baffert, in foreground, watching his multi million dollar horse Justify take a bath. Triple Crown winner @DelMarRacing @nbcsandiego pic.twitter.com/6Q51Wmxg6z
— Todd Strain (@TODDSTRAINNBCSD) July 16, 2018
