Triple Crown dream is alive for Pharoah

When he’s marching along like that, that’s a good sign.

The 147th Belmont Stakes takes place on Sunday (NZ time) in the United States as American Pharoah looks to become the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to win the Triple Crown.

American Pharoah, a winner in his last six races, arrived at Belmont Park on Tuesday after a flight from Louisville, Kentucky.

He won the Kentucky Derby on May 2 and the Preakness two weeks later and will be running in his fifth race since March 15.

According to Associated Press reports, with exercise rider Jorge Alvarez aboard, American Pharoah jogged counterclockwise around the track before being walked off and taken back to his stable for a public sponge bath just outside his barn.

“He was pretty strong and we let him jog all the way around,” said American Pharoah’s trainer Bob Baffert, adding he had planned on a shorter jog but called an audible when he saw how good his horse looked on the track.

“It was better that way. Otherwise he would have wanted to gallop.

“He would have been too tough down the stretch.

“He looked happy out there. That’s the key, to keep him happy.

“When he’s marching along like that, that’s a good sign.”

Trainers (by post position): 1, Mike de Kock. 2, Dallas Stewart. 3, Todd Pletcher. 4, Nick Zito. 5, Bob Baffert. 6, Kiaran McLaughlin. 7, Dale Romans. 8, Todd Pletcher.

Owners (by post position): 1, Essafinaat Limited. 2, Charles Fipke. 3, Cheyenne Stables LLC and Mac Nichol. 4, Mossarosa. 5, Zayat Stables LLC. 6, Godolphin Racing LLC. 7, Donegal Racing. 8, Alto Racing LLC.

Weights: 126 pounds. Distance: 1½ miles. Purse: US$1.5 million. Stake money: first, $800,000; second, $280,000; third, $150,000; fourth, $100,000; fifth, $60,000.

App.Com