The last leg of the Triple Crown is tomorrow with the running of the Belmont Stakes. American Pharoah is trying to become the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years. Affirmed was the last winner, in 1978. The Belmont is difficult because it’s the longest of the Triple Crown races. The Kentucky Derby is 1-¼ miles and the Preakness Stakes is 1-3/16 miles. Belmont Stakes is a total of 1-½ miles. History isn’t on the side of American Pharoah.
In the last 15 years there have been six horses who won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes but failed in the Belmont. In 2002, War Emblem was determined to end the drought but came in 8th. The next year Funny Cide had a chance to win the Triple Crown but came in 3rd. Smarty Jones held the lead in the 2004 Belmont until the straightway where Birdstone passed him at the end. Horse racing would have to wait four more years until Big Brown. Big Brown didn’t even finish the Belmont Stakes. I’ll Have Another was scratched from competing in the Belmont. The horse was suffering from tendonitis in his left front tendon and didn’t race. Last year so much was said about California Chrome. This horse won the first two legs. Unfortunately he came in 4th while Tonalist won the Belmont.
American Pharoah had no trouble winning the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. The Preakness Stakes was a sloppy track. American Pharoah won by seven lengths, the sixth largest margin in Preakness history.
American Pharoah has a tough task in front of him tomorrow. He has been the best horse to this point. He hasn’t been challenged in any of the races. What makes the Belmont tough is not only the length at 1-½ miles but the horses. In this field, some of the horses haven’t raced in the Kentucky Derby or the Preakness Stakes. These horses are fresh which means they could knock off American Pharoah’s ride to history.
The Belmont Stakes will be televised tomorrow on NBC. Post time is at 4:50 p.m. Mountain Time. There are only eight horses in the field. The favorite of course is American Pharoah at 3-5. He will be racing from the number 5 post position. The horse with the second best odds is Frosted at 5-1. Frammento has the worst odds at 30-1. History could be made and American Pharoah could be the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years.
Who is your favorite to win the Belmont?
WATCHED THIS RACE AND ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF THIS HISTORIC EVENT.
ALMOST FELT I WAS THERE WITH THE CROWD… PHOTO COVERAGE WAS EXCEPTIONAL. THANKS FOR YOUR ENLIGHTENING, VIVID FOLLOW UP.