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 "Looking at the horse today, he looked pretty darn good for a horse
that just ran a mile and a half," trainer Bob Baffert told reporters
on Sunday. "He's a tough horse. Today he looked like he could run
back in three weeks."
American Pharoah became the 12th winner of the U.S. Triple Crown by
winning the $1.5 Belmont Stakes on Saturday, after claiming the
Kentucky Derby on May 2 and the Preakness Stakes two weeks later.
No horse had swept all three since Affirmed in 1978 and Saturday's
triumph sent the Belmont Park crowd of 90,000 into hysterics. As
jockey Victor Espinoza walked the colt in front of the grandstand
after the race, the cheers were at full volume.
After a career-opening loss at Del Mar, American Pharoah is a
perfect seven-for-seven, including Saturday's commanding
5-1/2-length victory over Wood Memorial winner Frosted.
"Everybody was on board with this horse," Baffert said of the
adoring Belmont Park fans. "This journey with this horse has been
incredible since we started it. From the Rebel (Stakes) to the
Arkansas Derby, the whole (Kentucky) Derby thing.
"There was a lot of pressure, and then there's the stress. I was
really relieved to win the Derby, and I was happy to win the
Preakness, and yesterday was very emotional for me."
Baffert's three previous attempts to claim the Triple Crown at
Belmont Park ended in heartbreak after losses by Silver Charm, Real
Quiet and War Emblem.
"I was starting to believe that maybe it was never going to happen,"
he said. "You have to have a superior horse, and he also has to be
tough and be able to handle the grind."
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For American Pharoah's curtain call, probably in August, Baffert is
looking at the Haskell Invitational, the Jim Dandy, the Travers
Stakes, or perhaps the Pacific Classic. But for now, the son of
Pioneerof the Nile is getting a well-deserved mini-vacation.
"After we freshen him up, we have options," said Baffert. "We'll
have time to figure it all out, and right now we just want to love
on him and enjoy him."
The colt's career will likely end in October at the Breeders' Cup at
Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky.
"We want to share him with the fans. He's our Stanley Cup," said
Baffert.
(Editing by Gene Cherry)
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