American Pharoah Has Eyes Set On Triple Crown

NEW YORK (WJZ)--American Pharoah captured the middle jewel of the Triple Crown here in Baltimore. Now, the colt is looking to make history this weekend in New York - winning the Belmont Stakes.

American Pharoah arrived at Belmont Park Tuesday and didn't seem to mind the wet weather.

The 3-year-old thoroughbred is preparing for a run at history, after winning the Kentucky Derby and The Preakness.

A victory at the Belmont Stakes Saturday would make American Pharaoh the first horse to capture the Triple Crown since 1978.

"I want to win it for the horse. Of all my horses he's probably the kindest, sweetest, horse," said Bob Baffert, American Pharoah trainer.

Belmont is the longest of the Triple Crown races--at a mile-and-a-half. Forecasters are predicting a chance of rain Saturday, but American Pharoah has already proven his abilities in the mud.

Minutes before The Preakness Stakes got underway, the skies over Baltimore opened up and the rain poured down on everyone.

The wet track never seemed an issue for American Pharaoh. The favorite pulled ahead in the final stretch in the slop, cruising to victory in the 140th Preakness Stakes.

"He loves the rain, actually.  He won the Preakness in a monsoon!  Literally in the midst of a storm," said owner Ahmed Zayat.

The colt is favored to win the Belmont Stakes, but a 37-year streak without a Triple Crown winner proves it's any horse's race.

American Pharaoh has lost only one race in his career and all six wins have been with jockey Victor Espinoza.

With a Triple Crown contender, 90, 000 people are expected to pack Belmont Park.