Justify comes out running with 104 Beyer debut

ARCADIA, Calif. – The brilliantly quick colt Justify joined trainer Bob Baffert’s deep list of contenders for the major stakes for 3-year-olds this year with a win in a seven-furlong maiden race in his debut Sunday at Santa Anita.

Justify, by Scat Daddy, was always near the front and won by 9 1/2 lengths in 1:21.86. Ridden by Drayden Van Dyke, Justify earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 104, the highest given to a 3-year-old this year.

“That was pretty impressive,” Baffert said Monday. “We knew he was special. He came out of it good, so we’re happy with that.”

“He’s got a natural stride and is naturally fast,” Van Dyke said. “That’s a deadly combo. He’s got a good mind.”

Baffert did not state any race plans for Justify, who is owned by WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, and SF Racing and was purchased for $500,000 at the 2016 Keeneland September yearling sale.

Justify set a solid pace of 21.80 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 44.37 for a half-mile before pulling clear in the stretch.

“I didn’t like him going that fast too early,” Baffert said.

Van Dyke said Justify seemed to be setting a more modest pace.

“Bob said he was cussing me,” Van Dyke said.