Pharoah to work again before Travers decision

DEL MAR, Calif. – Bob Baffert is going to take as much time as he can and weigh all the data before deciding whether Triple Crown winner American Pharoah goes to the Travers Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 29 or waits for another spot.

On Monday at Del Mar, the day after American Pharoah had his first workout since his overpowering victory in the Haskell Invitational on Aug. 2, Baffert said the timing and spacing of American Pharoah’s races are what he’s mulling.

While Baffert would not go into detail, the logical assumption is that if American Pharoah runs in the Travers, he would need yet another race prior to the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Oct. 31 at Keeneland, scheduled to be the final start of his racing career. But if American Pharoah bypasses the Travers, there likely would be just one more race before the Breeders’ Cup, and the guessing game would begin anew as to where he would prep. The Pennsylvania Derby? The Jockey Club Gold Cup? The Awesome Again?

Baffert was firm, though, that no decision will be made until after American Pharoah works again, most likely on Sunday, six days out from the Travers. After that work, Baffert said, he will sit down with assistant Jim Barnes, owner Ahmed Zayat, and racing manager Justin Zayat and vote on what to do.

“And if it’s tied, it’s up to Joanne,” Baffert said, referring to Ahmed Zayat’s wife and Justin’s mother.

Baffert did say, though, that Zayat – who already has stated his desire to run in the Travers – has made it clear that the final call will be up to Baffert.

There is keen interest in the decision, not only among fans but among rival trainers, for participation in the Travers for at least two horses likely hinges on whether American Pharoah is in the race.

American Pharoah was one of 16 horses nominated to the Travers, according to the New York Racing Association. Those planning to run are Jim Dandy Stakes 1-2 finishers Texas Red and Frosted, Curlin Stakes winner Smart Transition, Haskell runner-up Keen Ice, Preakness runner-up Tale of Verve, Frammento, and King of New York.

Madefromlucky, the West Virginia Derby winner, and Upstart, the Holy Bull winner, are training toward the Travers, but their connections have said they might not run if American Pharoah comes.

On Sunday, Baffert said American Pharoah “looked like the Pharoah we know” after a workout that was officially timed in 47.60 seconds for a half-mile but was more like a five-furlong drill with a six-furlong gallop-out. His work was labeled “breezing,” the lone work of 186 dirt works at Del Mar on Sunday so designated.

The work indicated that American Pharoah is continuing to hold his already-lofty form. Baffert said Sunday that “eventually every horse has to tail off a little,” but said American Pharoah continues to “do everything pretty positive.”

Baffert said he “feels a little more pressure” with every start.

“I want to make sure he’s 100 percent, wherever he goes,” Baffert said. “I’ve got a lot of responsibility to the horse-racing industry.”

– additional reporting by David Grening