Justify, ridden by Jockey Mike Smith, continued to demonstrate flawless form by remaining unbeaten to win the 2018 Kentucky Derby (the 144th time the race has been run) on 5th March at Churchill Downs. The first horse since 1882 to win without running as a two year old added his 4th win, by holding onto a little over a two length lead and taking the derby title on a rain saturated course.
This was justify’s 4th win now, starting with a classy win on February 18th of this year at Santa Anita Park , and including a Grade I Santa Anita Derby win. These preparation races clearly got him eactly where he needed to be and he executed to perfection on the day. Bred in Kentucky by John D. Gunther, also the breeder of Vino Rosso, the hrse has sold in 2016 for $500,000. After a short but impressive run of form he was favouite going into the Derby, though with several grade I winners in the mix ( Good Magic, Mendelssohn etc), it was far from a formality.
During the race Promises Fulfilled gave Justify a run for his money for a time, but ultimately didn’t have enough, and Justify came home first, completing the 1 ¼ mile course in 2:04.20. Aidan O’Brien – winner of the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday, was hoping to win on the aforementioned Mendelssohn , who would’ve been the first European-based horse to do so. Sadly it wasn’t to be and he finished 20th out of 20.
Justify was 5/2 favourite. Good Magic came home in second place, and Audible third.