American Pharoah works five furlongs toward Haskell
ARCADIA, Calif. – American Pharoah worked at Santa Anita on Sunday, going five furlongs in 59.20 seconds. The workout left trainer Bob Baffert assured the Triple Crown winner is on course for the $1 million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park on Aug. 2.
American Pharoah worked on a warm clear morning over a racetrack less crowded than a normal weekend day. Many Santa Anita-based stables have relocated to Del Mar for the remainder of the summer. Baffert said American Pharoah will be shipped Tuesday to Del Mar and will train there in the buildup to the Haskell, which is run at 1 1/8 miles.
On Sunday, American Pharoah worked alone but was so quick he rapidly joined two runners trained by Ray Bell working at the same time. Garcia had American Pharoah well off the rail and about four lengths behind the Bell-trained horses on the backstretch.
On the turn, American Pharoah moved past the other horses with Baffert urging Garcia to “just cruise” through the stretch. Santa Anita clocker Dane Nelson timed American Pharoah in 24.60 for the first quarter-mile and in 47.20 for a half-mile.
Baffert timed American Pharoah’s workout in 59.60, with a six-furlong gallop-out time of 1:12.40.
“He looked like American Pharoah,” Baffert said. “He’s right on schedule.”
Garcia is the regular workout rider for American Pharoah and rode the colt in his first race last August. Victor Espinoza is the regular rider of American Pharoah and will have the mount Aug. 2.
“He does everything easy,” Garcia said. “I don’t know how fast he’d go if I let him. Baffert said, ‘You know what to do. Keep him happy.’ ”
Sunday’s workout was the third for American Pharoah since he resumed serious training following a win June 6 in the Belmont Stakes. With that victory, American Pharoah became the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years.
American Pharoah worked three furlongs in 36.40 June 29 and a half-mile in 47.60 July 6.
Owned by breeder Ahmed Zayat, American Pharoah has won 7 of 8 starts and earned $4,530,300.