This was not 2015, when the Bob Baffert-trained American Pharoah went to the lead of the Preakness Stakes and stayed there, winning by seven lengths to capture the second jewel of the Triple Crown in a storybook run that culminated in his becoming the first winner in 37 years. “He’s just a great horse to handle all that pressure and keep on running.”

Baffert tied veteran D. Wayne Lukas’ record with his 14th victory in a Triple Crown race and matched 19th-century trainer R.W. On Saturday, it was Justify, also trained by Baffert, that went to the lead, but he was soon challenged by Good Magic, so much so that their battle resembled a match race going into the stretch. Owner Bob Baffert described the battle between the two horses as “their own private race.”

Bravazo finished second and Tenfold got third place. Entering the race with an overwhelming 5-1 odds, the undefeated favorite, ridden by jockey Mike Smith, shot out of Post 7 with a clean start as he had in Kentucky. “It’s a struggle like that because it’s important to us that the customer has a great experience, and it’s hard to do that in this facility.”

Still, the track said 134,487 people showed up Saturday, many of whom seemed to be enjoying the mosh pit of mud and modern music emanating from the infield without any regard for the racing conditions, which were awful. On a sloppy track similar to the conditions in the Kentucky Derby, Justify improved to 5-0 and will go to the Belmont Stakes in New York on June 9 looking to do the same thing American Pharoah did for Baffert in 2015. After winning the most difficult race of his career, Justify has the chance at the Belmont Stakes in New York on June 9 to accomplish the same rare feat Baffert's American Pharoah did in 2015. Jockey Mike Smith says the Preakness was the hardest Justify has had to run and talks about how he'll enjoy his first chance to win a Triple Crown.
Justify wins the second leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes, in 1:55.93.