Belmont Stakes 2015: Predictions for American Pharoah in New York

After winning the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, American Pharoah will turn his attention to the Belmont Stakes in New York as he targets the coveted Triple Crown.

Victor Espinoza rode American Pharoah to victory in terrible weather conditions, as a storm brought with it rain of near-biblical proportions. The Daily Racing Form's Jay Privman painted a vivid picture of the weather:

As USA Today's Gary Mihoces reports, the horse coped admirably, though:

For the full video of the race, check out the video below:

American Pharoah is now fighting to win the Triple Crown of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes—a feat not achieved since Affirmed in 1978.

Prior to the race, American Pharoah was 29-10 to win the Triple Crown (h/t Jack Randall of Odds Shark).

After his seven-length triumph in Baltimore, American Pharoah's odds understandably improved to 5-7:

The colt was dominant in victory over the field at the Preakness and has a great chance of becoming the 12th horse to win the racing hat-trick.

Per Equibase.com, American Pharoah has ran seven races in his short career, but after finishing fifth in his first outing, he has won six races in a row.

Garry Jones/Associated Press

Along the way, he has performed some noteworthy feats. Per Trakus Racing, American Pharoah covered more ground than his rivals in Kentucky, while at Pimlico, he started even quicker than Affirmed:

Trainer Bob Baffert described the horse as "incredible" after his win on Saturday, per Richard Rosenblatt of the Associated Press (via Yahoo Sports).

Having such an experienced jockey as Espinoza works in American Pharoah's favour.

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

The 42-year-old has never won the Belmont Stakes, but he has now won the Derby and Preakness three times apiece and becomes the first jockey in history to have three attempts at the Triple Crown:

Mihoces is backing the horse but notes that many have reached this stage only to fall short:

What could prove a challenge for American Pharoah is the return of Kiaran McLaughlin's Frosted, who ran Dortmund extremely close in Kentucky to finish fourth.

Per Yahoo Sports' Jay Busbee, Frosted skipped the Preakness in order to be well-rested for the final race of the Triple Crown.

With extra rest, Frosted could prove a strong contender in New York and a genuine threat to American Pharoah's chances of racing immortality.

Nevertheless, American Pharoah is a proven winner and has overcome numerous obstacles with aplomb.

If he can avoid an unfavourable post position and the misfortune that befell California Chrome last year—the contender was injured coming out of the gate—then American Pharoah can write himself into the history books on June 6. 

Prediction: American Pharoah wins the Triple Crown at Belmont.