ELMONT, N.Y. – All systems go.
That was the pronouncement by Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert after he watched Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner American Pharoah gallop on the main track Thursday morning in preparation for Saturday’s Grade 1, $1.5 million Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the elusive Triple Crown to be contested as part of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival presented by DraftKings.
The 141st running of the $2 million Kentucky Derby promises to be remembered for its quality, with a dynamite field assembled for the 1 ¼-mile classic.
The 20-horse cast features no shortage of legitimate win contenders and the crème of the crop belongs to Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert. The three-time Kentucky Derby winner will send out the probable top two choices in the wagering, American Pharoahand Dortmund.