AMERICAN PHAROAH STILL HAS THE WOOSH FACTOR
Okay, so American Pharoah won the Triple Crown in amazing fashion and wowed the sports world, we know that. But if you saw his first race after the up, up and away performance in the Belmont Stakes, it is crystal clear he is something special for sure.
Shipping cross country for the August 2 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park in New Jersey, the Pharoah ruled once again. In jaw-dropping fashion, this Bob Baffert trained colt cruised to victory in the mile and an eighth race worth $1.75 million. Covering the distance in 1:47.95 under jockey Victor Espinoza, this son of Pioneerof the Nile stalked a solid early pace (23.22 opening quarter, 46.14 half mile). Mid-way through the far turn, Pharoah unleashed his powerful stride, bolted to a big lead, and then waltzed to the wire under a hand ride.
“You know I think he just keeps getting stronger,” says Baffert. “The Haskell was another great performance against some very good horses. He is such a dominant race horse that just does things so easily. I have never had a horse like him. He is just an amazing athlete with a terrific demeanor.”
Coming from a hall of fame trainer that has saddled the likes of Silver Charm, Point Given, Real Quiet, War Emblem, and Game On Dude just to name a few, that is a pretty strong statement. If one of the world’s top trainers is amazed, that speaks volumes. As far as his greatness is concerned, the ease with which he does it all is a testament to what he treat we have before us.
The Haskell performance can be summed up in one word…WOOSH!
Now back in his barn at Del Mar and in good shape, American Pharoah will await his next trip to the race track. Looking great as usual, life is good.
“As long as he wins everything is great,” beams Baffert. “We are just taking things one day at a time with him. We will take a couple of weeks to relax and then think about what is next.”
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