Triple Crown winner American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) will make his next start in Monmouth Park's GI William Hill Haskell Invitational S. Aug. 2, owner Ahmed Zayat told ESPN.com Thursday.
“I've decided to do the logical step and run American Pharoah at Monmouth,” Zayat said. “I'm trying to create one of the best days racing has ever seen for its fans and one that will also fit the prestige that surrounds American Pharoah. I want it to be a great day for everyone that will celebrate racing.”
Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, who boasts a record seven Haskell wins, added, “We were all waiting to see how American Pharoah worked and for me to give the OK. I liked the way he's training, the way he worked and how he came out of it very well. He looked a little light after the Belmont but he's gotten the weight back, so with no hiccups between now and then, the Haskell is the obvious spot for him.”
Monmouth Park officials are making the Haskell part of a three-day celebration to be called “The Pharoah Phan Phestival.” Baffert will also be inducted into Monmouth's Hall of Fame during the weekend.
“We are ecstatic to know American Pharoah will be running in the Haskell,” Monmouth president Bob Kulina said. “This will be the biggest day ever in the history of racing in New Jersey. We've been racing for 70 years and this is the first time we will have a Triple Crown champion here. I didn't think I would ever say this, but this will be even bigger than 2007 when we hosted the Breeders' Cup.”
Zayat, a New Jersey resident, plans to reach out to fellow New Jerseyans Bruce Springstein, Jon Bon Jovi and Kobe Bryant in hopes that they will come and make Haskell day an even more memorable experience.
Many tracks have been trying to lure American Pharoah, including Saratoga which Zayat says is not out of the question.
“The horse comes first and we intend to run him as many times this year as he tells us he can,” Zayat said. “The hope is that he does in the Haskell what he loves to do, and that is winning. We'll see how he comes out of it. We have not ruled out running at Saratoga [in the GI Travers S. Aug. 29]. It's something I'm happy and willing to do, as does Bob. I don't want to commit and put too much pressure on Bob or the horse. We want the horse to tell us. But if he's ready, he'll go there. These are not easy decisions but I want to do right by the horse and the fans.”
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