Workouts part of the American Pharoah mystique

American Pharoah goes for an elusive Triple Crown in Saturday’s Belmont Stakes and could be the horse to finally end the drought, 37 years after Affirmed recorded the last sweep in 1978.

He’ll be remembered for his phenomenal skills as a racehorse, earning champion two-year-old male honors and winning six straight stakes races so far, but American Pharoah's morning exploits have become legendary as well.

His workouts are amazing.

From the time he entered training until he departed Santa Anita for the April 11 Arkansas Derby, American Pharoah dazzled onlookers in Southern California when recording timed exercises. But his last three breezes at Churchill Downs raised the bar to a new level.

Based at Churchill since capturing the Arkansas Derby by eight lengths in a hand ride, American Pharoah recorded a single work for the Kentucky Derby, covering five furlongs in 58.40 seconds on April 26.

It’s a move they’ll be talking about for decades, a game changer that left seasoned observers in a state of awe. Horseplayers still on the fence came away with the same conclusion – American Pharoah could not lose the Kentucky Derby.

American Pharoah moves so efficiently, his flawless stride drawing praise from all corners as he gobbles up ground in a fast and effortless manner, but no workouts were scheduled between the Kentucky Derby and Preakness.

The kind colt returned to the worktab on May 26, receiving rave reviews after another spine-tingling performance, a four-furlong breeze in 48 seconds.

On Monday morning, American Pharoah put the finishing touches on his Belmont Stakes preparations, stepping five furlongs in 1:00.20. He gallops out so strongly after the wire, continuing to travel fast while being eased up by exercise rider Martin Garcia, and was as impressive as ever.

A difficult stretch out to 1 ½ miles and a cast of fresh challengers await American Pharoah, but stellar workouts suggest he’ll be ready for his best in the Belmont Stakes.