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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.
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