In what his jockey and trainer hope is a preview of what is to come in about an hour, Ax Man, Mike Smith riding for Bob Baffert, galloped to a front-running, 6 3-4-length victory in the $100,000 Sir Barton Stakes at Pimlico.

Baffert and Smith are about to team up with Kentucky Derby winner Justify in in the Preakness.

Ax Man, a son of Misremembered, broke on top and opened a clear lead through an opening quarter in 23.96 seconds, a half-mile in 46.96 seconds, six furlongs in 1:11.30, a mile in 1:36.19 and he covered the 1 1-16 miles in 1:42.53.

Title Ready, who was closest to Ax Man early, was the closest – although not that close – to him late. Prince Lucky was third followed by Pony Up, Dream Baby Dream and Navy Commander.

Ax Man, the 3-5 favorite, returned $3.20 to win.

Ax Man, owned by Patti and Hal J Earnhardt III, is 3 for 4.

Baffert had considered running Ax Man in the Peter Pan last week at Belmont, but said he didn't want to run the horse around one turn.