He faced horses that he had previously beaten in the Kentucky Derby or Preakness, plus a few "new shooters" who did not compete in those races.

Although the two colts have different trainers, they share common ownership (WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, Starlight Racing and Head of Plains Partners), leading some to conclude that the owners did not want to increase the pressure on Justify in his Triple Crown bid.

Having drawn post position one, Justify risked getting trapped on the rail if he started poorly.

Justify then slowed down the pace as they moved around the first turn, leading by two lengths over Restoring Hope.

None of the other jockeys chose to challenge Justify for the lead, so he settled into an easy stride down the backstretch, completing the opening mile in 1:38.09.

Around the far turn, Restoring Hope started to tire while Vino Rosso mounted a drive to move into second place.