Post 5 – American Pharoah
Jockey: Victor Espinoza
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Zayat Stables LLC
In 42 years since Secretariat’s legendary Triple Crown-winning performance at Belmont Park in 1973, 15 horses have tried to duplicate the feat and only two (Seattle Slew, 1977 and Affirmed, 1978) have been successful. This year American Pharoah hopes to succeed where each of the 13 contending horses that came after Affirmed have failed.
Genetics would indicate that American Pharoah actually has a decent chance at winning the Belmont, as his grand-sire Empire Maker, won the Belmont in 2003. The rain in the forecast for the weekend in New York may also work to American Pharoah’s favor as he proved at the Preakness that he can overcome a sloppy track and still dominate the competition in the mud.
It will either be redemption for jockey Victor Espinoza or deja vu as for the second year in a row and third time overall he brings a Triple Crown contender to Belmont Park. In 2002 he tried and failed to win the Belmont with War Emblem and in 2014 he tried and failed with California Chrome. Will third time be the charm or will Espinoza finish 0-3 at the Belmont?
As for legendary trainer Bob Baffert, American Pharoah will be Baffert’s fourth horse to compete with the Triple Crown at stake, having narrowly lost with Silver Charm in 1997 (who finished a close 2nd), then again with Real Quiet in 1998 (who also finished 2nd) and once more with War Emblem and Victor Espinoza in 2002. Will the fourth time be the charm for Baffert?
Predicted Finish: 2nd
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