Justify is the 1-2 morning-line favorite in an eight-horse field at the Preakness coming off his impressive win in the Kentucky Derby.
Trainer Bob Baffert's undefeated colt will leave from the same No. 7 post that he did at the Derby. Baffert is 4-0 with Derby winners at the Preakness and has the opportunity to win his second Triple Crown in four years after American Pharoah did it in 2015.
Baffert, a Noagles native and University of Arizona alum, says being such a heavy favorite puts more pressure on Justify, who beat Good Magic by 2½ lengths in the Derby.
Justify will face three other challengers he beat two weeks ago at Churchill Downs - Good Magic, Lone Sailor and Bravazo - and four horses who skipped the Derby - Quip, Tenfold, Sporting Chance and Diamond King.
No. 5 Good Magic is the second choice at 3-1, and No. 1 Quip is third at 12-1.
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Michael Reaves
<p>LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 05: Justify #7, ridden by jockey Mike Smith crosses the finish line to win the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 5, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)</p>
Posted at 2:48 PM, May 16, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-16 19:40:15-04
Copyright 2018 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
