Preakness 2015: Examining Race Highlights and Early Belmont Projections

American Pharoah kept dreams of a first Triple Crown in 37 years alive with a stunning victory in the 140th Preakness Stakes on Saturday.

With the savvy Victor Espinoza in the the saddle—who also backed up the Kentucky Derby with victory at Pimlico last year aboard California Chrome—the Bob Baffert-trained three-year-old romped to a comfortable victory. Now, all eyes turn to June's Belmont Stakes to see if this majestic horse can secure the box set of titles.

Here’s a look back at American Pharoah’s latest triumph and some early projections ahead of his date with destiny in New York.

History Beckons at Belmont Stakes

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For those who missed out on the race—or simply want to relive this impeccable performance—here’s a reminder of how things panned out:

There was plenty for American Pharoah to overcome to race to victory in the Belmont Stakes. Not only were the two horses closest to him in the Derby—Firing Line and Dortmund—part of the eight-horse field for this one, but the colt was drawn along the rail in the dreaded Post 1.

Indeed, as noted by SportsCenter, it’s extremely difficult to cross the line first when starting on the inside:

But when the rain came tumbling down prior to this showpiece, making the course more reminiscent of a bog than a race track, it was a chance for the class horses in the field to show their versatile qualities. American Pharoah did exactly that.

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The break was always going to be vital from Post 1, but Espinoza did superbly to steer his ride to the front of the field in the opening stages. Given the conditions, the horse’s quality and the fact he’s a superb front-runner, from very early on, the result of this one was in no doubt whatsoever.

However, as noted here by CBS Sports, in either rain or sunshine, there still would have been no stopping Baffert’s crown jewel:

With the Derby and Preakness safely secured, focus will now shift to the Belmont Stakes in June, and there is already a whirlwind of anticipation. The racing firmament have waited for so long for a horse to notch the box set of thoroughbred chases, and while many greats have missed out in recent years, there’s an aura surrounding American Pharoah.

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And rightly so, because this colt has proved to be a very special competitor. As we can see here, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Info, he certainly measures up to, if not surpasses, the most recent Triple Crown champion, Affirmed:

There’s going to be a whirlwind of hyperbolic expectation in the buildup to Belmont Stakes, and American Pharoah has proven worthy of such hype. But it’s important caution is exercised ahead of the final leg of the trio of titles.

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As California Chrome—who had his foot trodden on coming out of the gate in the third race—proved last year, all it takes is one slight bit of misfortune for things to go wrong in pursuit of the third title. Indeed, as noted here by Bleacher Report, the Kentucky-Preakness double hasn’t proved to be too testing down the years:

The challenge of Belmont is completely different to the circuits at Churchill Downs and Pimlico. The most notable factors being the added distance—the race is 12 furlongs, two more than Kentucky and 2.5 more than Preakness—and the physical demands of running three draining races in five weeks.

But as was on display in earnest during American Pharoah’s latest triumph, he is an adaptable horse, whether it be conditions or distance, and physically, he is in excellent shape. One thing’s for sure: When he takes to the track for the Belmont Stakes, this is a horse that is going to be extremely difficult to beat.

Belmont Stakes Prediction: Winner