Triple Crown Winner American Pharoah Prepares For Pacific Classic
DEL MAR, Calif. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Triple Crown champion American Pharoah worked a half-mile Sunday in Del Mar, California, under the watchful eye of trainer Bob Baffert and owner Ahmed Zayat.
The 3-year-old colt was timed in 47.60 seconds under Martin Garcia, who rides American Pharoah in the mornings. It was his first official timed workout since winning the Haskell Invitational two weeks ago.
The track was closed for 10 minutes except for American Pharoah and horses set to run in next weekend's Pacific Classic.
``He went nice like he always does,'' Baffert said. ``I think this empty track allowed him to relax some. When he's got horses all around him, he gets keyed up.''
About 800 people were on hand to see American Pharoah, and they cheered as he came down the stretch.
Garcia said the colt was ``just cruising'' and he seems to be improving.
American Pharoah's next start has not been announced, although Zayat is considering the $1.25 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 29.
Zayat -- a Teaneck, New Jersey resident -- is aiming for American Pharoah to close out his racing career in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland on Oct. 31.