Bob Baffert: absence of Triple Crown hero Justify makes for deeper Classic field

It might feel a little like Hamlet without the prince but Bob Baffert reckons Justify’s absence from Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Classic renders it one of the most competitive editions of the race.

In winning three of the last four Classics, Baffert has recently dominated the ten-furlong Grade 1 that brings to a close the 35th running of the climax to the Flat season in the US.

Justify, pictured on Monday at Coolmore's Ashford Stud near Lexington, held by groom Mario PonceCredit: Edward Whitaker

The suave Arizona native might have been coming here looking for a five-timer in the race had the mighty 2016 winner Arrogate not lost his edge ahead of the 2017 contest. Baffert still ended up saddling the second and third, Collected and West Coast, behind Gun Runner.

Along with Mckinzie, West Coast will vie to regain the winning thread for the silver-haired maestro, whose 14 Breeders’ Cup wins make him the meeting’s most successful trainer. Collected is first reserve this time following an interrupted campaign.