Justify continued his belated push to the Kentucky Derby with a dazzling win in a first-level allowance on Sunday at Santa Anita, a race that should set him up ideally for a major stakes race in early April that will be his one shot to earn enough points to run in the Derby on May 5.

The race on Sunday was only his second start, and his first around two turns, but he could not have been more impressive. After stalking a hot early pace, he surged powerfully to the lead on the far turn and coasted home 6 1/2 lengths best under jockey Mike Smith.

Justify was timed in 1:35.73 for one mile on a track rated muddy. Based on how the track was playing Sunday, the Beyer Speed Figure should be strong.

“He really passed his two-turn test with flying colors,” Smith said.

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