China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners LLC, Starlight Racing and WinStar Farm's GI Kentucky Derby hero Justify (Scat Daddy) is no longer showing signs of scratches–a skin condition trainer Bob Baffert said the undefeated colt was dealing with as of Monday–but appears to be recovering from bruising in his heel, according to multiple reports. As first reported by the Louisville Courier-Journal, Justify was examined by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Tuesday and found no signs of lameness. He has, however, been showing signs of improvement to treatment for the bruise in his left hind heel, according to the report.
“The horse does not have scratches,” KHRC equine medical director Dr. Mary Scollay told the Courier-Journal. “There's no evidence of skin [disease] on either hind pastern.”
Tuesday's news marks the latest development in a saga that began Sunday after the colt appeared to be sensitive in his left hind leg during a media appearance. As of Monday, Baffert said Justify was expected to walk in the mornings through Wednesday before returning to the track. Justify is being pointed toward a start in the second jewel of the Triple Crown, the May 19 GI Preakness S.
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