Espinoza Ready for American Pharoah's Return

Jockey Victor Espinoza is looking forward to one last race on American Pharoah in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) Saturday, Oct. 31 at Keeneland.

Espinoza, who has won five of the past six Triple Crown races, is looking forward to getting reacquainted with American Pharoah, who hasn't raced since a hard-fought runner-up finish in the Travers Stakes (gr. I) Aug. 29 at Saratoga Race Course. Espinoza said if the Triple Crown winner delivers his top form, they'll be in good shape.

"It all depends on American Pharoah," Espinoza said. "As long as he comes back good, like always; I'm excited."

Espinoza has watched Zayat Stables' American Pharoah's recent workouts at Santa Anita Park and has been impressed, particularly by the son of Pioneerof the Nile  's bullet six-furlong move in 1:10 4/5 Oct. 20.

"I'm very excited and really looking forward to this race because of the way he worked," Espinoza said. "For me it would be an honor to win this race and make history again. I'm confident with American Pharoah going into the race. He's a Triple Crown winner; a champion."

American Pharoah will start from post four in the Classic, one spot outside of grade I winner Frosted. Those two dueled early in the Travers before Keen Ice rallied for the win.

"I think I have a good post; I prefer the four as to being way, way outside," Espinoza said. "I really don't know (what Frosted is going to do this time). I have to worry more about American Pharoah, making sure he comes out of there clean and just get him into the high speed he always has."

Tuesday's Classic notes:

—Beholder: After having his premier mare walk the shedrow Tuesday following a stellar workout Monday, trainer Richard Mandella said he'd be watching the weather before choosing Wednesday's exercise for Beholder, either walking the shedrow or going to the track.

—Effinex: Tri-Bone Stables' Effinex was sent out to the track early Tuesday morning at Keeneland for a routine gallop in preparation for the Classic.

—Frosted: Godolphin's Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) winner Frosted arrived at Keeneland early Tuesday morning after an overnight van ride from New York. 

—Hard Aces: Hard Aces galloped once around the sloppy Keeneland oval early Tuesday morning with regular exercise rider Ricardo Peneche in the irons.

—Honor Code: Lane's End Racing and Dell Ridge Farm's Honor Code settled into his new surroundings Tuesday morning at Keeneland a day after arriving from his Belmont Park base.

"He settled in fine. He walked tack this morning. He's doing good. He ate up his breakfast and lunch," said Robbie Medina, assistant to trainer Shug McGaughey. "Everything seems to be moving in the right direction."

—Keen Ice:  Jerry Crawford, president of Donegal Racing, said the Curlin colt galloped on a sloppy Churchill Downs track this morning.

—Smooth Roller: Smooth Roller jogged at Keeneland Tuesday with trainer Victor Garcia saying he didn't want to take any chances with the Awesome Again Stakes (gr. I) winner on the sloppy track. 

—Tonalist: Robert S. Evans' Tonalist, or "Tony" as he is affectionately known around the barn, jogged one mile under regular exercise rider Lee Vickers while under the watchful eye of Christophe Lorieul, Clement's longtime top assistant.