American Pharoah and jockey Victor Espinoza have developed many followers with their success across the country
PHAROAH’S SECRET TO SUCCESS ON THE ROAD
Like all other athletes, Thoroughbred race horses have their likes and dislikes. A basketball player may shoot better in one gymnasium than another, or a baseball player hit a ton in a certain stadium and swing like your grandma (no offense to my Granny Goose) some place else. Certain horses like certain tracks and that is a fact. That is why the feats of horse hero American Pharoah are even more amazing.
During an illustrious 10 race career, this son of Pioneerof the Nile has recorded 8 wins at 7 different tracks. Winning in California, Arkansas, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey, Pharoah has literally ruled from sea to shining sea. This is as much a testament to his greatness as anything. Certain tracks play certain ways and will enhance or inhibit the abilities of these four-legged warriors. So, for American Pharoah to overcome the surface, elements, and opposition wherever says more than just a little something about him. Based in California and working mostly at either Del Mar or Santa Anita, how has he been able to win 7 grade 1 races across the country in a 1 year span?
“He takes his track with him,” smilingly answers trainer Bob Baffert. “He is very rare in that it does not matter about the track or the location. He just seems to work and run with a real greatness no matter where he is at.”
American Pharoah is currently “getting his juices back going” at Santa Anita after a brief rest following his second place finish in the Travers Stakes. With eyes on the Breeders’ Cup Classic and a ninth win at another track (Keeneland), this great grandson of Unbridled has every intention of shipping his track along with himself come October 31.
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