American Pharoah Preakness Horse Race
Kentucky Derby winner American Pharoah could have some familiar company — and competition — on his run to a possible Triple Crown.
A day after American Pharoah, Firing Line and Dortmund produced a California sweep at Churchill Downs, trainers Bob Baffert and Simon Callaghan indicated Sunday that all might race again May 16 in the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico in Baltimore.
Click here for Horse Shirts
Baffert trains American Pharoah for Zayat Stables and Dortmund for Kaleem Shah. The four-time Derby winner said that a decision on both colts’ status for the Preakness would be made after monitoring them this week.
Dortmund led for most of the Kentucky Derby before finishing third. Baffert said he would consult with Shah about the Preakness.
“I’m sure he’s going to want a little revenge,” Baffert told reporters. “His horse ran a really good race.”
American Pharoah and Dortmund will remain at Baffert’s stable at Churchill Downs this week.
Firing Line, who finally finished ahead of Dortmund but could not hold off American Pharoah, also will remain in Kentucky.
Callaghan said the Arnold Zetcher-owned Firing Line could be bound for the Preakness.
“You’d have to think if all is well that he’s earned that right,” Callaghan said. “We were glad we finally got to best Dortmund. … And we believe we can be right there with American Pharoah.”
American Pharoah became the third California-trained colt in four years to win the Kentucky Derby, joining 2012 winner I’ll Have Another and 2014 winner California Chrome.
There has not been a Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.