“I have discussed all aspects of American Pharoah’s race last Saturday in the Travers — and his condition since the race — with our whole team, and have decided American Pharoah deserves another chance, so we are pointing to the Breeders’ Cup Classic,” Zayat told ESPN.com and the Daily Racing Form.
MORE: Triple Crown winners post-TC | Ride aboard American Pharoah | What’s in Pharoah’s future?
Zayat and trainer Bob Baffert had an extensive meeting Wednesday to discuss Pharoah’s future. Since he won the Triple Crown, most have speculated two races — the Haskell and Travers — would serve as prep for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, the richest event in American horse racing at $5 million. It’s the most prestigious race outside of the Triple Crown circuit and would be the first time American Pharoah runs against older horses.
“I am very confident that this is the right decision for American Pharoah,” Zayat said. “He loves to race. He has provided my family, racing fans and general sports fans with great thrills this year. He won the Triple Crown earlier this year, and he deserves the chance to be in the sport’s premier year-end event.”
