American Pharoah romps home in Haskell

American PharaohAMERICAN Triple Crown winner American Pharoah romped to victory in the US$1.75 million Haskell Invitational on Monday.

With a massive crowd of 60,983 people in the stands at Monmouth Park, American Pharoah went to the finishing line untouched to record a soft 2.25-length victory.

After a 57-day break after winning the third leg of the Triple Crown at Belmont this year, the Bob Baffert-trained colt looked in great condition and the punters weren’t letting it out of their sights.

Paying $1.10 (1-10), American Pharoah became the shortest price winner in Haskell history and Baffert is relieved the race is over.

“That was nerve-racking,” Baffert said.

“I was getting pretty nervous. This horse, he just keeps bringing it. He’s just a great horse.”

American Pharoah beat fellow Kentucky Derby entrant Keen Ice ($2.40) and Upstart ($2.40) in a winning time of 1:47.95 and was just under a second off the Haskell record.

Jockey Victor Espinoza never asked American Pharoah to stretch in the straight and it probably should have won by a much bigger margin.

“He ran like a champ,” Espinoza said.

American Pharoah opened its racing career with a loss, but has since won eight consecutive races and Bob Baffert was emotional after the crowd cheering it back to the scale.

“I couldn’t believe the crowd, how loud it was,” Baffert said. “It was a great crowd. I love bringing my horses here. Thank you for being behind Pharoah the whole way.”

It is still uncertain as to where American Pharoah will race next, but the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland, Kentucky, is a possible target.

“No clue,” said owner Ahmed Zayat. “We’re just going to enjoy this moment.

“It’s very rare that I’m speechless, but I am extremely proud. I couldn’t be happier that this is happening in the great state of New Jersey.

“This is a superstar. He has touched everybody’s heart.”

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