Justify made history on Saturday afternoon (May 5). The horse became the first in 136 years to win the Kentucky Derby without racing as a two-year old. He did it in convincing fashion too, running away at the homestretch.

He arguably made less glorious history too, though. He joined a list of 21st century Kentucky Derby winners with disappointingly drab names. Most owners give their ponies incredibly bizarre or personal names. That's not really the case with Justify. It's enough of a reason to root against him winning the Triple Crown.

Behind Justify's name

There is a story to be told, for those who will listen. The horse comes from the famed WinStar Farm. The farm is known for their somewhat uninspiring names, at least in some circles. They also trotted Audible on to the track for the Kentucky Derby. Beyond that, Justify's origins remain shrouded in mystery.

There's always time to turn to the dictionary to serve as a self-fulfilling prophecy. The word is defined as proving or showing something to be correct or reasonable. The horse did just win the Kentucky Derby, so perhaps the uninspiring name did justify itself. Or maybe the world would've been a better place if Free Drop Billy took home the Kentucky Derby crown.

Other drab Kentucky Derby winners

There have been some fun winners at Churchill Downs in the 21st century. A personal favorite is Funny Cide, who took home the roses in 2003. The following year, Smarty Jones won the Kentucky Derby and it appeared that we were entering a golden age of nonsensically great names. Mine That Bird was another classic in 2009.

There were other solid ones too. War Emblem (2002), I'll Have Another (2012), and Fusaichi Pegasus (2000) come to mind.

Justify belongs in a different category. He's reminiscent of Big Brown, the controversial winner in 2008. Or last year's inspirational, if not creative winner, Always Dreaming. Super Saver was another disappointment in 2010, if only because Street Sense had the same syllabic scheme back in 2007.

The only other Kentucky Derby winner from this century that was a word, but not a name, was Orb in 2013. At least that word creates a cool image. Justify doesn't create an image at all - it's an idea.

Look, Justify is probably a great horse and all. I wish nothing but the best for him and his owners and trainers going forward. But when it comes to a Triple Crown, I hope he's thwarted by a horse like My Boy Jack or Instilled Regard.
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