Triple Crown victor to run the Travers Stakes

A decision is anticipated Sunday, after American Pharoah’s scheduled morning workout at Del Mar in California. He would ship to Saratoga Wednesday, Baffert told the DRF.

“He went very well, a real positive move”, Baffert said by cellphone as he was watching American Pharoah get his bath following the work. But, he’s a pretty incredible horse, ” Baffert said. For example, the 2015 Triple Crown victor is fitted with ear plugs on race days because he’s sensitive to sound. Baffert has said all along that the horse needs to be perfectly fit and ready before considering the cross-country trip to a track known as “The Graveyard of Champions”. Sunday’s workout indicates Baffert is tightening the screws so that American Pharoah is in top condition to handle what can be a deep and tiring Saratoga track.

It’s a topic Baffert all but refuses to discuss. His “Onion” remark reveals he’s well aware of Saratoga’s reputation.

Assistant Jimmy Barnes typically travels to New York to oversee his horses, too. The NYRA, which operates Saratoga, Belmont Park and Aqueduct, will raise the purse of the Travers to $1.6 million from $1.250,000 if American Pharoah runs.

And consider this piece of history: Only one of the first 11 Triple Crown winners – Whirlaway in 1941 – went on to win the Travers.

Those without tickets to the sold-out Travers are encouraged to visit 2015SaratogaTravers.com for information about Travers Day viewing parties throughout Saratoga.

After sweeping the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes, American Pharoah took a short break before returning to the racetrack on August. 2 in the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park at New Jersey. The two others who tried were Gallant Fox and Affirmed, who finished first but was disqualified to second behind rival Alydar. The barn area where American Pharoah would stay is also not the most spacious.

He breezed four furlongs in 47.60 at Del Mar last Sunday.