NEW YORK — All that separates American Pharoah from ending the longest drought in horse racing history — 37 years without a Triple Crown winner — is 1 1/2 miles and seven rivals determined to make him earn a victory in the Belmont Stakes.

Twelve horses before him have tried to complete the sweep of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont and failed since 1978. Now it’s American Pharoah’s turn Saturday.

The bay colt with the unusually short tail appears to have come through the Derby and Preakness with energy to spare, and he’ll need it in the longest and most grueling of the three-race series.

American Pharoah galloped around the big Belmont oval Thursday. He will take to the track again today for his final tuneup as the 3-5 early favorite.