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History awaits American Pharoah as the Bob Baffert-trained galloper attempts to become the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to complete the Triple Crown by winning the Belmont Stakes (2400m). Join us for commentary before the race start time of 8:50am (AEST).
You only have to look to last year to realise how hard it is to win a Triple Crown.
Champion California Chrome was the red-hot favourite going into last year’s Belmont Stakes, only to finish fourth and fail in the bid for Triple Crown glory.
In fact there have been 13 horses that have tried and failed to win these three hallowed races – in five weeks across three separate states – since Affirmed.
The question is, does American Pharoah have the tank to cap it all off over the Belmont Stakes’ 2400m?
He has already overcome tough draws to win the first two legs, so you imagine Barrier 5 wouldn’t be too difficult a challenge for him. The true challenge comes against fresh horses that have been prepared for the journey.
The draw means he could take a lead but the distance means it would be a struggle to keep it. Tactics and how Victor Espinoza rides him will be a huge factor.
One danger comes from the grey Frosted. He finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby but could have been closer had he not been boxed in early in the running. Drawing Barrier 6 means Frosted, with fresh legs, can put American Pharoah under pressure straight away.
Mubtaahij is the only other real danger. He struggled in his first American start, however he has had five weeks off and will be fresh. He dominated in Dubai prior to coming to America, as Mike Welsch of Daily Racing Form noted:
“Mubtaahij looked the best I’ve seen him over the past 10 days and through a bevy of works. He went five furlongs (1005m) with Irad Ortiz aboard in 24.53, 36.27, 1:00.97, changed leads nearing the eighth pole, finished willingly without being asked then galloped out well.”
He will have to overcome Barrier 1, but will be right up there.
I can’t see many others competing, but I will throw Materiality in my top four.
History is against American Pharoah, is he good enough? We’ll wait and see!
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