While only 11 horses in history have completed racing's elusive Triple Crown, 13 horses since Affirmed last accomplished the feat in 1978 have won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness only to lose in the Belmont Stakes.
American Pharoah is through the first of the three races, meaning he'll be this year's applicant for history, beginning with the Preakness on May 16 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
So what are his chances?
Here are five reasons why American Pharoah will win the Triple Crown — and five reasons why he won't:
Why he will win
1.