American Pharoah is on his way getting his misspelled name in the history books!
Following his victory at the Kentucky Derby, the speedy colt won the 140th Preakness Stakes despite the pouring rain, putting him on track for a shot to earn horse racing’s highest honor, the Triple Crown.
American Pharoah, ridden by jockey Victor Espinoza, edged out a tough field of eight horses in Saturday’s race in Baltimore, adding to trainer Bob Baffert’s string of victories. If American Pharoah can follow up with a win at the Belmont Stakes after the Preakness, Baffert can add a Triple Crown — a sweep of the top races — to his war chest.
American Pharoah was the favorite heading into the race at Pimlico Race Course, but by no means without competition, having to beat out rivals he bested at the Kentucky Derby, Dortmund and Firing Line, who were also picked as horses to watch. American Pharoah also had the unfavorable No. 1 post.
Mr. Z started off the race in front, but the Kentucky Derby winner pulled ahead in the stretch, finishing first with an impressive lead.
Tale of Verve finished second and Divining Rod was third.
American Pharoah’s Preakness victory was his sixth victory in a row, and he now is only the 14th horse with a shot at the Triple Crown since 1978. His date with destiny at Belmont is June 6 in New York.
Post time of the race was delayed, after thunderstorms forced emergency officials to evacuate the infield and grandstands.
Baffert, the trainer of both American Pharoah and Dortmund, has won the Preakness six times, and the Derby four times. American Pharoah’s jockey Espinoza won the Derby and Preakness riding California Chrome last year, but lost at the Belmont. 2015’s victory was his third.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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