Justify wins the 143rd Preakness Stakes

May 19, 2018 Jennifer Caldwell/Brisnet.com

Justify continued his quest for Triple Crown glory on Saturday at Pimlico, securing the 143rd running of the Preakness Stakes (G1) under jockey Mike Smith in a close finish with Bravazo, Tenfold and Good Magic.

A dense, creeping fog engulfed the track as the rain that has drenched the Baltimore area all week continued through the day. The sloppy, sealed dirt proved no deterrent to Justify, as the Bob Baffert trainee leaped out of the gates with Good Magic in close attendance.

Those two renewed their Kentucky Derby (G1) battle from two weeks ago, though most of it was masked by the fog. As the camera settled onto midstretch, the crowds waited for the field to break free from the mist. Justify appeared first, leading the way, but wasn’t alone. Good Magic remained tenacious down on his inside while Bravazo and Tenfold were closing fast.

The anticipation that has built since Kentucky Derby 144 saw over quickly as Justify flew under the wire first, just holding off Bravazo, who in turn had a narrow margin over Tenfold. Down on the inside, Good Magic found himself in fourth. Completing the order of finish were Lone Sailor, Sporting Chance, Diamond King and Quip.