Justify under veteran jockey Mike Smith won the Triple Crown for Bob Baffert and connections at Belmont Park.

The Belmont Stakes was dominated by Justify as he led from gun to tape to win the race in fine style. The son of Scat Daddy was never headed nor looked in danger as he was held together around the final bend whilst everyone else had cried enough. He ran on from there coming under the whip for security in final 200m and won going away.

"He is sent from heaven," said Jockey Mike Smith.
"He's just brilliant. He standing so still I thought he may not break."

"It never gets old. American Pharoah will always be my first love. He was shown me the same signs. Brilliant, supreme horse. He could have won every race on the under card hes that good horse," said Baffert of his second Triple Crown winner, a true genius trainer. 

Justify's winning time was 2:28.18 for the 1 ½ miles over a track rated fast, unlike his two previous wins, which came over sloppy tracks at Churchill Downs and Pimlico.

In addition to the three Triple Crown races, Justify's record includes his maiden win, an optional claiming victory, and the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby, all with a combined winning margin of 23 ¾ lengths.

Owned in partnership by China Horse Club, WinStar Farm, Starlight Racing and Head of Plains Partners, Justify earned $800,000 for the win and boosted his bankroll to $3,798,000.

Completing the order of finish after Vino Rosso were Tenfold, Bravazo, Free Drop Billy, Restoring Hope, Blended Citizen and Noble Indy.

SAHorseracing.COM