Trainer Bob Baffert is in no hurry to pinpoint the next target for Triple Crown hero American Pharoah after the son of Pioneerof The Nile won his eighth race on the bounce in the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park on Sunday.
Last seen when completing his famous hat-trick in the Belmont Stakes at the beginning of June, American Pharoah was sent off the 1-10 favourite to add to his Grade One haul.
The bay colt made short work of his six rivals in the nine-furlong heat, with jockey Victor Espinoza easing down long before the line to run out a two-and-a-quarter-length winner over Keen Ice (183-10).
"He ran like a champ," Espinoza told www.drf.com.
"The others can't keep up with the high speed he has. Today, turning for home, the others were struggling.”
Baffert, who was securing a record eighth win in the Haskell, will now weigh up the options for his stable star along with Justin Zayat, who is racing manger for owner Zayat Stables.
American Pharoah will now return to Del Mar, with Baffert admitting he expects some encouragement to run in the Pacific Classic which takes place in just under three weeks at that track.
"When I get home, I'm sure Del Mar will put a lot of pressure on us, too," said Baffert, who has indicated he would prefer to stay in three-year-old company.
"We'll get him home first, see how he bounces out of it. We'll just play it race by race.
"As long as he's still at the top level, I'll lead him up there. As long as he's at the top of his game, that's my main concern. We have something really special.
"We owe it to him."
