BALTIMORE (AP) – American Pharoah won the Preakness by seven lengths in driving rain Saturday, keeping alive his Triple Crown bid.
With victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, American Pharoah needs a win in the Belmont Stakes to become horseracing’s first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.
American Pharoah will bring a six-race winning streak into Belmont on June 6 in New York.
Trained by Bob Baffert, American Pharoah was a heavy favourite in the Preakness despite starting from the unfavourable No. 1 post.
Breaking fast on a sloppy track as thunder roared in the background, American Pharoah took control early and won easily.
Tale of Verve finished second, a length ahead of Divining Rod. Dortmund was fourth.
The winner paid $3.60, $3.40 and $2.80.
Jockey Victor Espinoza rode American Pharoah. A year ago, Espinoza won the Derby and Preakness aboard California Chrome before losing in the Belmont.
