American Pharoah Arrives at Keeneland

Triple Crown winner American Pharoah arrived on the Keeneland backstretch shortly after 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27 to begin final preparations for his final career start in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) Oct. 31.

American Pharoah will be the first horse to race in Kentucky after sweeping the Triple Crown races since Whirlaway began his 4-year-old season with a runner-up finish in the Phoenix Handicap in April 1942 at Keeneland. American Pharoah is the 6-5 morning-line favorite in Saturday's 1 1/4-mile race, which has attracted a field of 10. 

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Southern California-based American Pharoah was vanned to the Keeneland backstretch from the nearby Blue Grass Airport where he arrived on a Tex Sutton Charter that originated from Ontario International Airport in Ontario, Calif. that morning. The flight included Bob Baffert's stable pony Smokey and other Breeders' Cup contenders.

American Pharoah was met by owner Ahmed Zayat Tuesday afternoon at the airport and then outside his new temporary home in Barn 62 on the Keeneland backstretch.

Trainer Bob Baffert arrived shortly after the Triple Crown winner and after touching base with his staff said American Pharoah was in good order.

"He shipped well and everybody's happy," Baffert said. "(Assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes) said he was happy getting off the plane. I'm sure he liked that cool air here when he stepped off the plane, most horses do."

Baffert said it's another hurdle cleared as American Pharoah prepares for his final career start.

"Now we just want to have four good days up to the race," Baffert said. "We're not going to do much."

John Clay, the longest-serving Tex Sutton employee who has been with the company for 36 years, led American Pharoah down the ramp of the plane at Blue Grass Airport.