First race back for Triple Crown winners usually a success

The New York Racing Association says in a release that it will raise the total purse for the Travers Stakes to $1.6 million from $1.25 million, contingent upon Triple Crown victor American Pharoah starting.

Triple Crown victor American Pharoah with Jorge Alvarez up trains at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J., Saturday, August 1, 2015.

Amazingly, American Pharoah will be running at his seventh different track tonight.

There are other options for American Pharoah, including the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby on September 19 or possibly a stakes race in California, where the horse is based.

NYRA said Saturday’s announcement was made by Kay and board of directors chairman Michael Del Giudice with collaboration from senior vice president of racing operations Martin Panza and New York Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association president Rick Violette.

What TV channel is showing American Pharoah in the Haskell Invitational?

“We’re not going to be scared of him to lose or not to lose. They definitely belong here, and it doesn’t always work out that way”.

What time is American Pharoah’s race on Sunday?

A loss could diminish American Pharoah’s chances of coming to Saratoga.

“The excitement will ramp up the entire day”, Violette said.

Under state supervision, NYRA conferred with the Gaming Commission before offering the purse increase, Kay said. “In fact, they’re supportive of it”.

Ridden by Monmouth’s top rider “Jersey Joe” Bravo, Upstart breaks from the rail in a race also featuring Belmont third Keen Ice (Dale Romans/Kent Desormeaux).

Nominations for the Travers will close August. 15.

There have been plenty worse Grade 1s this season than this $200,000 contest in which reigning champion filly Untapable (Steve Asmussen/John Velazquez) tries to concede 3lb to high-class opponent Stopchargingmaria (Todd Pletcher/Javier Castellano).