Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Justify sure looked good when galloping with enthusiasm and authority on Thursday morning at Belmont Park in the first of two gallops he will have prior to his bid for a Triple Crown sweep in the Belmont Stakes on Saturday here at Belmont Park.

Justify came out on the track shortly after a renovation break at 8:45 a.m. and galloped about 1 3/8 miles around the oval. He was particularly strong coming through the stretch. That, plus the great condition of his coat, would indicate he's coming into this race as well as could be hoped.

"He looked good around there," said trainer Bob Baffert, who broke into a wide grin after Justify galloped past him. "I'll sleep better tonight."

Baffert said Justify galloped a bit stronger than he might have expected, but believed much of that had to do with him being fresh. He worked Monday at Churchill Downs, walked Tuesday, then flew from Kentucky on Wednesday, so he hadn't done much since the work.

Baffert also said it appeared Justify got his competitive juices going when he heard other horses as he was coming through the homestretch. Justify often trains with ear plugs, but did not this morning. He will have train in them Friday.

Justify also has ear plugs when being saddled and in the post parade for races, but they are removed before the race starts.

As for his constitution, it's hard to fault how Justify appears in the flesh.

"He's doing really well. He just gets stronger," Baffert said. "He's a good doer, a good eater."