American Pharoah Aims to Thrill One Last Time

Earlier this week American Pharoah's owner Ahmed Zayat was asked if the Triple Crown winner would simply be shipped to nearby Ashford Stud where he'll begin his stallion career in 2016 after the Oct. 31 Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) at Keeneland.

Zayat halted the reporter before the question was completed, noting that he and trainer Bob Baffert had decided to put their complete focus on Saturday's 1 1/4-mile race where the 3-year-old son of Pioneerof the Nile   will face older horses for the first time in his final opportunity to add to his racing legacy.

Zayat believes a victory against older horses would add to American Pharoah's place in history. When American Pharoah returned to racing after becoming the first horse in 37 years to sweep the Triple Crown a thrilled Zayat noted that while the colt had reached racing's heights, he would move him up another notch if he defeats older horses. American Pharoah will get his one chance at that Saturday.

"I'm worried about facing older horses," Zayat said this week. "They have maturity and seasoning, not that American Pharoah doesn't have seasoning; he has traveled more than anybody, but I don't think the 3-year-olds will beat him. If he gets beat, it's not going to be a 3-year-old."

After the Oct. 29 scratch of two-time champion female Beholder from Saturday's Classic, American Pharoah's morning-line odds were lowered to 4-5 in the field of nine for today's 11th race at Keeneland, set for 5:35 p.m. ET. American Pharoah will start from post 4 under regular rider Victor Espinoza.

A record Keeneland crowd is expected with the forecast calling for crisp fall temperatures with a high of 63 degrees under cloudy skies. On Oct. 30, 44,947 turned out at Keeneland, a record for the Lexington track and a record for Breeders' Cup Friday at any site.

The top threats appear to be 2014 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Tonalist, who captured the Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I) for a second straight year at Belmont Park | BloodHorse.com Track Profile">Belmont Park in his previous start; and this year's Metropolitan Handicap and Whitney Stakes (both gr. I) winner Honor Code. 

Beyond that, there are plenty of capable horses as eight of the nine runners boast group I/grade I wins. Keen Ice defeated American Pharoah in the Travers Stakes (gr. I), the previous start for both horses.

Angst: American Pharoah Set for History

Baffert said American Pharoah couldn't be better.

"This horse reminds me why I'm in this business," Baffert said. "If I'm having a bad day, I'll see him and he picks my head up. He's the champ."

—An American Pharoah victory in the Classic would move him into fourth all-time in purse earnings among all North American-trained horses, behind only Curlin, Cigar, and Skip Away. 

—An American Pharoah win in the Classic would complete the most lucrative 3-year-old season ever registered by a North American-based horse, passing current leader Smarty Jones who earned $7,563,535 in 2004 including $5 million from a bonus.

—With a win in the Classic, American Pharoah would become the first Triple Crown winner to win two grade I races in his 3-year-old season after sweeping the classics. The three Triple Crown winners of the 1970s, who all raced in the graded stakes era, combined for one grade I win in their 3-year-old seasons after their Triple Crown wins.

ANGST: American Pharoah Can Add to Legacy in Classic

Baffert believes American Pharoah can run a race similar to his wins in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), Preakness (gr. I), and Belmont, thrilling race fans one final time.

"He's there. He's peaked already, but the good thing is he's holding it. That's what makes him such a good horse," Baffert said. "He has been through an incredible schedule, with shipping and running, and shipping and running, and going everywhere, and now he's still here. That is amazing. He's incredible."