'No Reason' To Think American Pharaoh Can't Win The Preakness Stakes

Maybe, just maybe.

While it might be a little too early to start prognosticating about whether American Pharaoh could become the first horse to win the Triple Crown since Affirmed did it 37 years ago, some people are already saying the horse has a shot to make history.

Teaneck resident Ahmed Zayat’s colt won the 141th running of the Kentucky Derby Saturday by putting together a late charge on the homestretch for a first-place finish.

Bleacher Report columnist Tom Weir said, “There’s no reason to think he can’t repeat in two weeks at the Preakness Stakes, regardless of whether he faces fresh competitors or rematches with Saturday’s contenders.”

American Pharaoh was well-rested heading into the Derby. Trainer Bob Baffer pulled the horse from last year’s Breeders’ Cup, giving him extra rest.

Jockey Victor Espinoza became just the second jockey to win back-to-back Derbys in the last 30 years. He won the first two legs of the Triple Crown with War Emblem in 2002 and California Chrome in 2014. This third time could be the charm, Weir said.

The horse is intimidating physically and smart.

“I’ve watched this horse and it’s like a 4-year-old against a 2-year-olds,” said Gary Stevens, the jockey who rode Derby runner-up Firing Line. “Or maybe it’s like a pro basketball player against high school kids. He has beautiful action, but also the intelligence to go with that athleticism.”