This Pharoah Has One More Kingdom To Conquer: The Belmont Stakes

There could be a lot of North Jersey in the next Triple Crown winner.

Ahmed Zayat’s horse American Pharoah will try and become the first horse in 37 years to do what some say is the toughest thing to do in sports. The horse that won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes is the favorite going into the Belmont Stakes. If he wins, would make him the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.

Zayat, an Egyptian-born businessman, has lived in Teaneck for 30 years. He founded Zayat Stables, one of the best stables in the country about a decade ago, NorthJersey.com reported.

Early odds have Pharoah as the favorite to win the June 6 race. Odds Shark has him as a 10-11 favorite and 5Dimes has him at 20-23.

But winning will be far from a sure thing. Thirteen horses since Affirmed have won the first two Triple Crown races only to lose the Belmont, including California Chrome last year.

Prior to 1979, horses that won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness won 11 of 19 Belmont Stakes they raced. Since then, they’re 0-12.