American Pharoah gallops for final time before Belmont

NEW YORK (AP) American Pharoah has taken a final gallop around Belmont Park before he attempts to win the Belmont Stakes on Saturday and become the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years.

The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner looked fresh and ready to run Friday morning but was held to an easy lap around the 1 1/2-mile oval by exercise rider Jorge Alvarez.

Trainer Bob Baffert watched from well past the finish line. He said when his horse went by ''he looked like he was just still floating over the race track like he normally does.''

Since arriving Tuesday, the 3-year-colt has had a jog and two gallops. American Pharoah faces seven rivals in his bid to become the 12th Triple Crown winner and first since Affirmed in 1978.