GI Kentucky Derby and GI Preakness S. winner American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) galloped over a sloppy track at Churchill Downs Monday morning (video) as he continues preparations for the June 6 GI Belmont S.
“He went great,” reported exercise rider Jorge Alvarez, who was in the irons.
Jimmy Barnes, assistant to trainer Bob Baffert, added, “He went very nice and looked good. He likes an off track. Everything seems fine.”
Baffert was expected to fly to Kentucky Monday night to oversee his string of 12 horses at Churchill.
With four Belmont S. contenders on the grounds, Churchill Downs has invited fans to watch the Classic contenders prepare for the final leg of the Triple Crown during a special training period from 8:30-8:45 a.m. Despite rain and short notice, approximately 100 fans showed up to watch the Belmont horses gallop Monday. The track will open Gate 17 entrance to the public from 8-9 a.m. each morning through June 2 and will also offer live streaming from 8:30-8:45 athttp://www.kentuckyderby.com/workouts/live.
There are currently 11 horses considered possible for the Belmont. In addition to American Pharoah, the possible runners are: Carpe Diem (Giant's Causeway), Conquest Curlinate (Curlin), Frammento (Midshipman), Frosted (Tapit),Keen Ice (Curlin), Madefromlucky (Lookin at Lucky), Materiality (Afleet Alex), Mubtaahij (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Tale of Verve (Tale of Ekati), War Story (Northern Afleet).
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