ALL eyes will be on Justify as he bids to create his own slice of history in New York in the Belmont Stakes on Saturday.
The Bob Baffert-trained colt faces his date with destiny at 11.46pm UK time when he will attempt to become the 13th winner of the US Triple Crown.
He was impressive when winning the first leg of the three-race series, the Kentucky Derby, but was forced to pull out all the stops when scoring in the Preakness three weeks ago.
His brilliant trainer was also responsible for the last horse to claim all three races, with American Pharoah ending the long 37-year wait for a Triple Crown winner in 2015.
The colt is a general even-money favourite for the race, and he pleased his trainer when working on the track at Belmont Park on Thursday.
Baffert told nyra.com: "He just floated over the ground.
"He is a big strong horse, he was a little bit fresh and wanted to get aggressive, but he couldn't have looked better."
When asked to compare Justify and American Pharoah, Baffert said the pair were chalk and cheese in terms of their personalities.
He said: "They are two different types of horse.
"Pharoah loved human contact, this guy will let you love on him for about four seconds.
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"He bit me when I was walking him around.
"I am really excited about this horse.
"He still has to break well and everything has to go well, but I feel confident."
Previous US Triple Crown winners
- 2015 - American Pharoah
- 1978 - Affirmed
- 1977 - Seattle Slew
- 1973 - Secretariat
- 1948 - Citation
- 1946 - Assault
- 1943 - Count Fleet
- 1941 - Whirlaway
- 1937 - War Admiral
- 1935 -Omaha
- 1930 - Gallant Fox
- 1919 - Sir Barton
When and where can I watch the Belmont Stakes?
The $1,500,000 Belmont Stakes, which is run over a mile and four furlongs and was first held in 1867, will be live on At The Races at 11.46pm UK time.
At The Races is on Sky channel 415, Virgin channel 534, and UPC in Ireland on channel 418.
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