Baffert: Justify Doing Well after Treatment for Bruised Heel

(AP) — A hesitant step by Justify the morning after winning the Kentucky Derby was enough to create quite the scare. All the fuss was over a bruised heel on his left hind foot.

Trainer Bob Baffert believes the trouble is over now and that it won't keep Justify from running in the Preakness with a very real chance at the Triple Crown.

Baffert said Thursday that Justify is doing well and is on track to run in the May 19 race. The veteran trainer attributed the injury to the muddy track at Churchill Downs for the Derby and tender feet that were sensitive to gravel outside the barn the morning after.

Justify returned to the track at Churchill Downs to gallop Thursday, with assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes reporting to Baffert that the Derby winner was sharp. Don't take it just from Baffert, though, veteran trainer D. Wayne Lukas also watched closely and said Justify looked excellent.

Justify got in a good day on the track after Baffert rested him following the foot condition that he initially referred to as scratches similar to diaper rash. Elliott Walden of WinStar Farm, which co-owns Justify, was worried when the horse didn't want to put his heel down but credited Baffert and his team for moving quickly with treatment.

Justify is undefeated in four starts and expected to be a heavy favorite against Tampa Bay Derby winner Quip and others at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.

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