The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

American Pharoah wins Preakness Stakes, takes on Triple Crown

Editor
18th May, 2015
11

American Pharoah comfortably won the 140th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on Sunday, and now earns a chance to become the first horse in 37 years to complete the Triple Crown.

The Belmont Stakes on June 6 is the next challenge – and if you feel like it’s all happened before, it’s true. It’s the one that last year’s great hope, California Chrome, found a bridge too far.

American Pharoah won by over seven lengths in the rain and mud, dominant in the end and possibly more impressive than his victory in the Kentucky Derby.

The time of 1:58.45 recorded over 1900m was the slowest time run in the Preakness since 1956, owing to the incredible wet.

Mexican jockey Victor Espinoza will be on board, as he was for California Chrome’s campaign.

“He broke a little slow and I pushed him to go to front and as soon as I take the lead, that was it,” said Espinoza to Fairfax following the race.

The final leg in the Triple Crown is the one that throws up the most problems.

The Belmont has always been the ‘Test of Champions’, the 2400m longer distance and one that has become rarer in both US and Australian racing.

Advertisement

Since 1979’s triumph by Spectacular Bid, the 12 horses that have won both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness have struck out at Belmont. That includes horse California Chrome, but also the likes of Big Brown and Smarty Jones, very good horses and hot Belmont favourites.

American Pharoah is already priced in the market as a $2 favourite, although US parimutuels won’t open for some weeks.

close