Kentucky Derby winner Justify ran through the fog to claim victory in the 2018 Preakness Stakes, setting him up for a possible Triple Crown bid in three weeks. | Photo: Photo: Jon Kral/Maryland Jockey Club

Kentucky Derby (Grade 1) winner Justify had a battle on his hands from the start of Saturday’s Preakness Stakes (Grade 1) at Pimlico Race Course, in Baltimore, Maryland, but the 2-5 favorite repelled every challenge to remain undefeated, and to raise hopes of a Triple Crown sweep in the June 9 Belmont Stakes (Grade 1).

Justify handed Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert a record-equaling seventh Preakness victory, tying him with 19th-century horseman R.W. Walden. All five of Baffert’s Derby winners have gone to add the Preakness. This also marked Baffert’s 14th career win in a Triple Crown race, equaling the feat of fellow Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas.

As the racing fates would have it, Lukas came closest to denying Justify in the Preakness with his 15-1 shot Bravazo, who flashed home late for second in a tighter finish than anticipated. Adding to the suspense of the race itself, visibility was limited thanks to fog that shrouded a good portion of the track