American Pharoah #18, ridden by Victor Espinoza, comes out of turn 4
during the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May
2, 2015 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Image source: Andy Lyons/Getty
Images)Three year old, American Pharaoh, came from the 18th place in the starting gate to win the "Run for the Roses."
The colt didn't have the track record. That occurred in 1973 and belongs to "Secretariat" and his enormous stride, broad chest and long underline which defined the size of his lungs. His finish was incredible. He out classed all the other colts at one minute and 49.40 seconds.
The second place record holder was robbed of his title as his best time lagged 0.57 seconds behind the great Secretariat. It occurred in 2001 and belongs to "Monarchos"with a time of one minute and 59.97 seconds.
But, does "American Pharoah" have the will, speed and stamina of his Great, great, great grandfather "Northern Dancer?" "Northern Dancer," a Canadian horse, holds the third fastest time of the Kentucky Derby at 2 minutes flat. It occurred in 1964.
If we are to measure "American Pharoah" against his distant relative he wouldn't even come close at a time of two minutes and 3.02 seconds. That may seem minimal, but, with Secretariat's average performance speed of 37.5 miles per hour it is an enormous distance behind the most spectacular three year old in history.
The Preakness is the second race of the Triple Crown. It takes a special horse to capture it, but, it takes only a horse that out performs his or her peers. Anything is possible.
WHEN: Saturday, May 16, 2015. Post time: 6:18 p.m. ET
WHERE: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore.
HOW TO WATCH: (click here)
Preakness prep coverage, NBC Sports Network, 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Preakness race coverage, NBC, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Preakness post coverage, NBCSN, 6:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
