AMERICAN PHAROAH

Del Mar’s opening day on July 16 is approaching, well, like American Pharoah rolling in the stretch. And anyone at Santa Anita over closing weekend of The Great Race Place’s 39-day spring meeting couldn’t help but notice that horse racing is in full stride right now.

A big part of that is the success of American Pharoah, the sport’s first Triple Crown winner in 37 years. American Pharoah put in his first work Monday, going three furlongs for trainer Bob Baffert. This came after a rowdy Saturday in which the colt was paraded through the Santa Anita paddock, winner’s circle and then on the track. Baffert was noticeably concerned about his champion in the winner’s circle when American Pharoah had trouble settling down for a photo. After a number of tries, Baffert finally waved his arms and said, “That’s enough. Get him out of here.”

On Sunday, Baffert told reporters that the “petting zoo” period was over for his colt, and now it’s time to get him ready for his last race, the Breeders’ Cup on Oct. 31 at Keeneland. After that he’ll stand at stud.

Only Baffert and owner Ahmed Zayat know where American Pharoah next will race, but one thing is certain: The son of Pioneerof the Nile will van to Del Mar on July 13 and train here for his next race.

A lot has been speculated on the Triple Crown winner’s next race. Baffert said Saturday that the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park on Aug. 2 and the Jim Dandy at Saratoga on Aug. 1 were possible. And when asked about the TVG Pacific Classic, he didn’t rule it out, giving his usual mantra that the colt will let him know when he’s ready to go. “We’re on his schedule now,” he said.

In the meantime, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club officials are trying to come up with a plan on how to deal with having racing’s superstar housed on the backstretch. Baffert made it clear that the colt is getting back to work, and surely Del Mar will respect those wishes. At Del Mar, it’s almost certain there won’t be nearly the fuss made over the colt’s arrival as there was at Santa Anita, where he was welcomed back as a conquering hero by adoring fans, TV stations and every form of media. As much as Del Mar would like to see it, this won’t be Cigar coming in for the 1996 Pacific Classic. Talk about a zoo.

All Del Mar can hope for is that American Pharoah’s scheduled works will be announced ahead of time to allow San Diego's horse racing fans to attend them in the morning as they did for California Chrome last year.

As for his appearances at Del Mar, if American Pharoah goes to the Haskell or Jim Dandy and wins without incident, Del Mar officials can only hope to parade the game's 12th Triple Crown winner on Pacific Classic Day. Such an appearance by the best 3-year-old to race in 37 years would save a race that right now looks light in the haunches considering the depleted state of the older horse division.


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