On Saturday, under ominous skies and on a rain-drenched track, American Pharoah, the Kentucky Derby winner, took charge early and overpowered seven rivals, winning by seven lengths to put trainer Bob Baffert back in the running for the Triple Crown.
Pimlico - Site of American Pharoah's Preakness win
Anerican Pharoah, the son of Pioneer of the Nile, earned a $900,000 check to plump his earning past $3.4 million and rewarded his backers with $3.80 for a $2 bet and now is ready to run for the Triple Crown.
© 2015 by Pimlico
Splashing around a drenched track, Pharoah was said to be "Floating like a swamp buggy atop the water, leaving first Mr. Z and then his stablemate Dortmund in his wake."
The son of Pioneer of the Nile earned a $900,000 check to plump his earning past $3.4 million and rewarded his backers with $3.80 for a $2 bet. His final time of 1:58.46 was slow, but the ease of his victory looked spectacular.
With water filling his riding boots, Jockey Espinoza knew that his moment of clarity has they left post position 1 had paid big dividends.
âSometimes you do the right decisions for the best of the horse,â he said. âJust trying to balance out there and go for the lead, and it worked out well.â
Now Espinoza is New York-bound for a date with destiny for the second year in row and for the third time in his career. Last year, California Chromeâs Triple Crown bid fell short, as did Espinozaâs attempt aboard War Emblem in 2002. âI hope the third one is a charm,â he said.