American Pharoah installed as 1-5 choice in eight-horse Haskell

American Pharoah took his first spin around the Monmouth Park track on Thursday morning (Ryan Denver/Equi-Photo)

American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile), the first American Triple Crown winner
in 37 years, will return to the races as an overwhelming favorite in Sunday’s
$1.75 million
Haskell Invitational (G1) at Monmouth Park. The Zayat Stabes homebred drew
post 4 among eight three-year-olds in the 1 1/8-mile race and was installed as
the 1-5 choice on the morning line by oddsmaker Brad Thomas.

Trained by Bob Baffert, American Pharoah brings a seven-race winning streak
into the Haskell and is expected to receive one more prep before concluding his
racing career in the October 31 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Keeneland. Jockey
Victor Espinoza has been up for all seven victories and will accompany the
sublime bay colt to the Jersey Shore.

Other entrants include Upstart (Flatter), Competitive Edge (Super Saver) and
Keen Ice (Curlin). For more, visit the
TwinSpires Blog.