Could This Be Our Next Triple Crown Winner?

Original article written by Chelsey Craig posted 15 years 1 week ago

In 22 years of history, only 3 horses have been able to accomplish it. A daunting task; taking the Louisville Derby, Baltimore Crown, and Long Island Classic. This is the elusive Triple Crown. It is the greatest test for any champion, demanding 3-year-olds to run at 3 different tracks so close together and at 3 different distances. It takes a horse of the ages to be victorious in all 3 events. And now, in Year 23, are we looking at greatness? His name is Awake As I Am. This handsome dark brown colt is poised at the edge of something great. His perfect record was put on the line in the Louisville Derby and he romped away from great competition with ease. Next week, he will go to the Baltimore Crown with his perfect 7 for 7 streak on the line. If he can make it through that race, he still has the grueling Long Island Classic to worry about. However, this Dave Shields colt looks like the real deal. He is attempting to etch his name alongside immortals Priceless Forever, Tremendous, and Jet-Ski as a Triple Crown winner. Can he do it?

Awake As I Am was bred by Dave Shields. He paired up the fabulous mare Wonder with the spectacular sire Loki Dynasty. Wonder was a multiple Grade 1 winner who earned Simmy Awards for American Champion Older Mare and American Champion 3-Year-Old Filly. Her first foal, More, became a well known Grade 1 winning millionaire. It was clear that this mare was going to be a great broodmare. However, it was when she was bred to Loki Dynasty that the magic really began. Loki Dynasty campaigned for 13 races, only losing once. He scored major wins on dirt and turf and is best known for his win in the Louisville Derby in Year 14. When combined with multiple Simmy Award winner Wonder, a foal was born that could do anything he set his mind to.

Awake As I Am sprinted 7 furlongs in his maiden debut to introduce himself to the world with a 2 length score. He then romped by 6 lengths in the Grade 3 Graduation Year Stakes before nabbing the Grade 1 Long Island Futurity by another 6 lengths. In the final race of his stellar juvenile campaign, Awake As I Am obliterated a talented field in the Steward’s Cup Juvenile by 8 astounding lengths. In a landslide of votes, Awake As I Am earned the title of North American Champion 2-Year-Old Colt. Awake As I Am didn’t slow down as a 3-year-old. He proved over and over that he is just as good as ever. He snatched the Grade 3 Loki Masterpiece Stakes by 6 ½ lengths and then won yet another Grade 1 in the Southern California Derby. Entering in the Louisville Derby as the big favorite, Awake As I Am was faced with a daunting task. 8 Grade 1 winners were going to face off with the undefeated colt. However, none of the strong contenders could match up with Awake As I Am. Striding for home confidently, Awake As I Am crossed the line with his ears up, passing the 1 ¼ miles test with flying colors.

Now Awake As I Am must answer the question, is he a great horse or just a very good one? Can the gorgeous colt take the next step in next Friday’s Baltimore Crown? Can this superstar stay undefeated and claim the most elusive of crowns? Can Awake As I Am become the 4th Triple Crown winner?

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