What's Next for American Pharoah?

The big horse looked every bit the part in the post parade and never showed any signs of physical labor while tracking quick fractions, before dispatching his seven rivals while always well-restrained by jockey Victor Espinoza. The field, while not stellar, was also not completely lacking in credentials with three stakes winners among the group. The competition, though, was essentially irrelevant. The style, manner and visual impression of American Pharoah’s effort deserve every accolade the general public will heap upon the Triple Crown champ.  

Fans want to see Pharoah tackle elders 

With Espinoza motionless through virtually the entire length of the Monmouth stretch, it became increasingly clear that American Pharoah is without peer in the three year-old division. With likely one start left to make before running in the Breeders’ Cup Classic October 31 at Keeneland, it will be interesting to see if owner Ahmed Zayat and trainer Bob Baffert do the sporting thing and run against older horses. The Pacific Classic, August 22 at Del Mar, and Jockey Club Gold Cup October 3 at Belmont – both grade 1 events - would provide two such opportunities.

Timing is everything 

Running back in three weeks in the Pacific Classic might not be ideal circumstances for American Pharoah, but the horse expended such little energy in the Haskell, the quick turnaround wouldn’t seem illogical. The Gold Cup, on the other hand, would provide a two month and one day break, perhaps leaving too much time between starts. Yet another possibility is the Grade 1 Awesome Again Stakes, September 26 at Santa Anita. Regardless, racing fans will be eagerly awaiting the announcement of the champ’s next start.