Triple Crown hero Pharoah pointed at Breeders' Cup

Triple Crown hero American Pharoah will keep racing despite his runner-up finish in the Travers Stakes, with the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic his ultimate destination, owner Ahmed Zayat said Thursday.

Zayat said he had discussed the horse's health and future with trainer Bob Baffert and concluded the colt should be pointed at the Classic at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky, on October 31.

"I have discussed all aspects of American Pharoah's race last Saturday in the Travers -- and his condition since the race -- with our whole team, and have decided American Pharoah deserves another chance, so we are pointing to the Breeders' Cup Classic," Zayat said.

Immediately after Saturday's race at Saratoga, Zayat had indicated American Pharoah's racing career might be over.

But Zayat said he was convinced his horse was healthy, even though his connections felt he didn't run his best in losing by a length to Keen Ice in the Travers.

The defeat ended an eight-race winning streak that included the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes -- making American Pharoah just the 12th horse to complete the coveted treble.

He was the first since Affirmed in 1978 to accomplish the feat, and while Zayat had already sold his breeding rights he opted to continue racing Pharoah to give more of the sport's fans a chance to see its latest superstar.

If he does make it to Keeneland, American Pharoah would be the first Triple Crown winner to also race in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

"I am very confident in my decision," Zayat said. "Not a moment has gone by since the race on Saturday when I have not thought about this decision. My initial concern right after the race was about American Pharoah's condition, because he did not run his 'A' race. He has come out of the race in great shape.

"And after examining all the evidence and talking it over with our team ... I believe there were a combination of factors that prevented American Pharoah from running his absolute best on Saturday. I have every confidence that he can run to his best again, and he deserves the chance to do so."

Source; AFP