Belmont Stakes Report

BELMONT STAKES REPORT

MAY 23, 2015

by James Scully

American Pharoah's (Pioneerof the West) superiority is unquestioned but we've

been down this path many times. The 36-year drought since the last Triple Crown

winner makes the 1 1/2-mile Belmont Stakes (G1) one of the most difficult

assignments in sports.

The universal question facing any Thoroughbred racing fan surrounds American

Pharoah's chances to complete the sweep. Common sense dictates a strong

possibility, no rival can beat him if he shows up with his best, but memories of

past failures haunt any projections of unbridled confidence.

Upsets are a Belmont Stakes specialty.

The current stretch of heartbreak began one year after the last Triple Crown

winner, Affirmed in 1978, with the mighty Spectacular Bid weakening to third in

the Belmont stretch.

Smarty Jones (2004) and Big Brown (2009) met the same standard, appearing

practically invincible following convincing victories in the Kentucky Derby (G1)

and Preakness (G1), and the list includes other capable Triple Crown aspirants

such as Silver Charm (1997), Real Quiet (1998), Charismatic (1999) and

California Chrome (2014).

As history shows, anything can happen in the Belmont Stakes.

American Pharoah is back galloping at Churchill Downs, readying for the 147th

running of the American classic and Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert brings

valuable experience to the equation, making his fourth attempt at saddling a

Triple Crown winner.

With a six-race win streak in tow, American Pharoah has made it look easy

nearly every time, the one-length Kentucky Derby decision representing the only

true test so far for the speedy colt, and he simply glided to a magnificent

seven-length victory over a sloppy track in the Preakness last out.

Supporters would love to see a wet track again on June 6.

His main competition is rested and lying in wait, with Grade 1 winners Carpe

Diem (Giant's Causeway), Frosted (Tapit) and Materiality (Afleet Alex) skipping

the Preakness after the Kentucky Derby. They've been preparing for weeks at

Belmont Park along with Dubai stalwart Mubtaahij (Dubawi) and improving Peter

Pan (G2) hero Madefromlucky (Lookin at Lucky).

The Belmont Stakes will be the fourth start in eight weeks for American

Pharoah and nobody knows whether the demanding schedule will exact a toll.

Two things we're keenly aware: American Pharoah is the best horse and the

unpredictable nature of the Belmont Stakes when a Triple Crown is on the line.