Justify impressive in Friday gallop

ELMONT, N.Y. – He's going for the Triple Crown on Saturday, and is making the sixth start in an ambitious, accelerated campaign that began less than four months ago, but it would be hard to fault the way Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Justify appears to be coming into the Belmont Stakes.

He continued to impress in his final gallop Friday morning here at Belmont Park, going about 1 3/8 miles shortly after the renovation break. Having had a day of training here Thursday – in which he appeared fresh and eager – plus the addition of ear plugs for Friday's training session, Justify was in control throughout.

:: Get Clocker Reports, PPs, news, analysis, and more for the 2018 Belmont Stakes

Justify will have ear plugs when being saddled and in the post parade Saturday, but they will be removed prior to the race.

His trainer, Bob Baffert, said he thought Justify was coming into the Belmont in similar fashion to Point Given, who got stronger as the 2001 Triple Crown progressed and won by Belmont after failing in the Derby and then winning the Preakness.

"This is the best he's been," Baffert opined. "It's up to him now. If he's great, he'll do it."