Justify galloping ahead of next workout; McKinzie resumes jogging

Justify has resumed galloping at Santa Anita and could have a workout as soon as next week.

The Triple Crown winner has impressed trainer Bob Baffert with his condition and exercise in recent days.

“We used to say he looks like a million dollars, but we can’t say that anymore,” Baffert said. “He looks incredible. He looks healthy, and he’s moving well.”

Unbeaten in six starts, Justify has thrived in recent weeks despite the rigors of a Triple Crown sweep. After winning the Belmont Stakes on June 9, Justify was sent to Kentucky for a brief stay before being flown to California and Baffert’s stable at Santa Anita on June 17.

“He was getting stronger as we went along,” Baffert said.

The timing of Justify’s workout will depend on how he gallops in the coming days. Baffert said the workout will help him plan Justify’s summer races.

“Once I breeze him, we’ll see where he is and we’ll get an idea of what our next plan will be,” he said. “I’ll watch him really closely, and hopefully that will put him on some kind of schedule.”

Justify races for WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners, and Starlight Racing, and has earned $3,798,000. He has won four stakes, beginning with the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby prior to a sweep of the Triple Crown.

The Baffert-trained McKinzie, once considered a leading Triple Crown prospect, has resumed jogging after being given more than two months off for a hock injury detected in late March.

“He’s going to start galloping soon,” Baffert said. “He looks really good.”

Owned by Mike Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman, McKinzie has won 3 of 4 starts, including the Los Alamitos CashCall Futurity last December. McKinzie finished first in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita on March 10 but was disqualified and placed second for causing interference to runner-up Bolt d’Oro in the final strides. McKinzie has not raced since the San Felipe.