Baffert Indicates Travers Next for 'Pharoah'
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Trainer Bob Baffert said Aug. 10 that if Triple Crown winner American Pharoah continues to send him the right signs, he will be pointed to the Aug. 29 Travers Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga.
Speaking during an interview on the "Lenny's Place" video on bloodhorse.com, Baffert noted that "Mr. Zayat made it clear he wants to run in the Travers, so I'll give the horse every opportunity, if he's 100%, to do that," Baffert said from Saratoga, where he is attending the yearling sale. "I'm doing recon work checking out what barn he'd be in. When he comes to town it will be like bringing The Beatles. He has such a huge fan base."
Baffert continues to be amazed at how quickly American Pharoah bounces back from his races. "He still looks like a picture of health. He's pretty damn spectacular. I've never seen a horse that's been on a plane so many times and still holds his form. I brought him out the other day and I couldn't believe it. The hair is supposed to start getting a dull look or the horse gets a look that says, 'Hey, I'm getting tired.' I don't know what planet this horse is from. If they're going to clone a horse, it should be this one.
"We're going to breeze him probably Sunday at Del Mar and we'll know more about how he's doing. He has to show me that energy level and that he's moving well. Believe me, I'm looking for an excuse not to come, but I'll let Pharoah tell me if he's ready.
"After I breeze him I'll sit down with the Zayats and we'll figure out what's right for Pharoah. He owes us nothing, but if he's really on his game, we'll try to make (the Travers). If not, we'll wait for the next one."