Preakness winner American Pharoah had his final breeze for the Haskell. Photo by Laurie Asseo.
From a Monmouth Park release
Triple Crown winner American Pharoah worked for the final time Tuesday morning at Del Mar in preparation for his run in the Aug. 2, $1 million William Hill Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park.
American Pharoah breezed four furlongs over the fast Del Mar main track in :48 4/5 with Martin Garcia aboard, his third work in the last 10 days. Today’s morning move comes off his work just five days prior on July 23, where he went over the Del Mar dirt in 1:11 for six furlongs.
“We are just trying to keep him in good form,” said Bob Baffert, who conditions the horse for Zayat Stables LLC. “My job is to keep him healthy and ready for anything in front of him. The horse tells us when he is ready.”
American Pharoah plans to arrive at Monmouth Park Wednesday afternoon following a plane ride from California. The 3-year-old by Pioneerof the Nile out of the Yankee Gentleman mare Littleprincessemma is scheduled to gallop over the main track Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The Clubhouse will be open to the public, free of charge, from 7-8 a.m. to watch American Pharoah and his Haskell challengers on the track from 7:30-7:50 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
The likely field for the 48th edition of the Haskell includes: Competitive Edge, Mr. Jordan, Keen Ice, Tekton, Top Clearance, and War Story. The Haskell will be telecast live from 5-6 p.m. on NBC.
Gates will open at 9 a.m. on race day, with first post at 11:30 a.m.
