Dazzling American Pharoah Effortless in Del Mar Workout

American Pharoah coasted through a half-mile workout on Sunday morning at Del Mar in preparation for his next race. (BENOIT photos)
The effortless speed American Pharoah flashed in a dominating performance in the William Hill Haskell Invitational Stakes on Aug. 2 was on display again on Sunday morning during an easy workout at Del Mar.
The 2015 Triple Crown winner coasted through a half-mile in :47.60 under exercise rider Martin Garcia at about 7:45 a.m. PT with a crowd of more than 800 people watching along with his trainer, Bob Baffert, and owner, Ahmed Zayat.
AHMED, JUSTIN AND BENJAMIN ZAYAT AT DEL MAR

“It went super good,” Garcia said. “Bob just told me to work him like we usually do and make sure we get a little bit out of it. He was just cruising. It’s like he’s still getting better and better. This horse is unbelievable.”
The track was pretty much deserted during the workout as Del Mar closed training from 7:45 to 7:55 a.m., except for horses targeting the Grade 1 Pacific Classic Stakes on Aug. 22 or Triple Crown winners.
Del Mar’s official clocker noted that American Pharoah was well within himself during the workout, meaning he cruised through the exercise without encouragement.
Baffert also was pleased with the drill for American Pharoah, who is under consideration for the Grade 1 Travers Stakes on Aug. 29 at Saratoga Race Course among other races. Baffert thought the calm atmosphere on the track proved beneficial.
“He went nice; like he always does,” Baffert said. “I think this empty track today allowed him to relax some. When he’s got horses all around him, he gets keyed up.”
AMERICAN PHAROAH’S SUNDAY WORKOUT

Courtesy of TVG