Photo Blog: American Pharoah Prepares for Triple Crown Bid
Amid debates of “will he or won’t he,” Kentucky Derby (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner American Pharoah prepared for the final leg of the Triple Crown – the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) – at Churchill Downs. The bay Pioneerof the Nile colt attracted a swarm of media and fans each morning as the third jewel of the series grew nearer, causing the clicking of several cameras, the oohing and ahhing of admirers, and even the attention of racing fans across the country as they tuned in online to watch the live stream of American Pharoah’s morning outings.
Much to my excitement, I had the opportunity to watch American Pharoah train beneath the Twin Spires on three occasions within the past week – two of which were mornings when he breezed. I had never seen American Pharoah in person prior to this and was blown away by his presence. The colt was incredibly fit – displaying impressive muscle tone – as well as very content, for his ears were nearly always pricked. While both breezing and galloping, American Pharoah covered the ground effortlessly, exhibiting one of the most remarkable strides I have ever seen in person. The Triple Crown hopeful could not be nearing the Belmont in a better fashion.
American Pharoah’s May 26 breeze took place on a sunny morning at Churchill Downs when the colt covered a half-mile in 48 seconds flat, ranking fifth of twenty-two horses that worked that distance beneath the twin spires that day. With Martin Garcia aboard, the Bob Baffert trainee absolutely floated over the ground, completing the four furlongs with ease.
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The weather for American Pharoah’s final breeze before the Belmont was not quite as pleasant as it was for his first post-Preakness breeze, as a steady rain fell over the Louisville track. Nonetheless, the dirt oval remained in good shape and during the designated training period for the Belmont Stakes candidates, American Pharoah breezed five furlongs with Garcia aboard again. Once more, the Zayat Stables-owned colt completed the drill effortlessly, going five-eighths in 1:00.20
American Pharoah will depart for Belmont Park on Tuesday and with the manner in which he has been training, the Triple Crown hopeful is in great shape for his date with destiny.
American Pharoah jogs alongside the pony (Smokey) before his first post-Preakness breeze – May 26 |
American Pharoah before his breeze – May 26 |
American Pharoah breezes down the Churchill Downs stretch – May 26 |
American Pharoah shows off his stride while breezing – May 26 |
American Pharoah looking powerful while breezing – May 26 |
American Pharoah breezes at Churchill Downs with Martin Garcia aboard – May 26 |
American Pharoah gallops at Churchill Downs – May 30 |
American Pharoah gallops at Churchill Downs with Georgie Alvarez aboard – May 30 |
American Pharoah changes leads as he gallops down the Churchill backstretch – May 30 |
American Pharoah looking happy while galloping – May 30 |
American Pharoah leaving the track with Smokey after galloping – May 30 |
American Pharoah poses while getting a bath after his gallop – May 30 |
Even American Pharoah has a silly side – May 30 |
American Pharoah jogs alongside Smokey just before breaking off for his final breeze before the Belmont – June 1 |
American Pharoah eagerly breaks away from the pony to begin his breeze – June 1 |
American Pharoah begins his breeze – June 1 |
American Pharoah gallops out powerfully after his breeze – June 1 |
American Pharoah and Martin Garcia leave the track after breezing – June 1 |
American Pharoah poses while getting a bath – June 1 |
A sudsy American Pharoah – June 1 |
The Triple Crown awaits. |
