Pharoah’ Gallops Again at Churchill

American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) continued his preparations for the GI Belmont S. by galloping 1 3/16 miles over the Churchill Downs main track under regular exercise rider Jorge Alvarez Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. It was the GI Kentucky Derby and GI Preakness S. winner’s second time galloping over the track since arriving at trainer Bob Baffert’s stable Monday. Baffert’s chief assistant Jimmy Barnes continues to be pleased with American Pharoah’s training since capturing the second leg of the Triple Crown. 

“These are just our easy days, so we’re basically just keeping him happy and keeping some weight on him,” Barnes said. “We don’t get serious until another week or so.” Baffert will return to Louisville for a one-day stopover Tuesday and will determine when American Pharoah will work. “He hasn’t decided whether he will have one or two workouts,” Barnes said. “He should be letting me know soon. He’ll fly in Monday evening and will be in on Tuesday morning and I’m sure that’s when he will start deciding.” 

Barnes added that the Zayat homebred will likely ship to Belmont Park Tuesday, June 2.