American Pharoah At New Jersey's Haskell Invitational? It Might Happen

OCEANPORT, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- If American Pharoah races again -- as his owner has said he'd like -- it could draw a huge crowd to New Jersey's Haskell Invitational.

The $1 million race at Monmouth Park has long been building its reputation as one of the premier horse races.

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Track spokesman John Heims said if there's ever a time to create an unofficial "quadruple crown," an appearance at the Aug. 2 race by American Pharoah, who became the first horse to win the Triple Crown on Saturday, could solidify it.

"We are one of the best races in the business," Heims told WCBS 880's Jim Smith. "And it's just a great stepping stone for year-end honors and championships."

The record attendance for the Haskell is 53,000. Heims wouldn't even speculate what an American Pharoah run could bring in.

Ahmed Zayat, American Pharoah's owner, pledged Sunday to keep racing's newest superstar, at least through the end of the year. Before the Belmont, Zayat sold breeding rights to American Pharoah for an undisclosed amount to Coolmore Ashford Stud near Versailles, Kentucky.

"They have zero say until he retires," Zayat said. "We owe it to the sport to do the right thing. Money plays an important factor in this game. I've already sold the breeding rights, but it is my genuine desire, as a fan, as someone who loves horses, to race him as long as I possibly can."

Zayat will leave it up to Baffert to map out a schedule. Among the races under consideration are the Jim Dandy at Saratoga in upstate New York on Aug. 1; the Haskell Invitational; the Pacific Classic at Del Mar, California, on Aug. 22; and the Travers at Saratoga on Aug. 29.

The Haskell might have an edge because Baffert has won it a record seven times and Zayat lives in Teaneck, New Jersey.

Heims said there is no doubt conversations will take place between American Pharoah's team and Haskell organizers.

"They know they're invited -- that's not even a question," Heims said. "We'll just be happy if they decide to accept."

The ultimate goal would be the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic, to be run Oct. 31 at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky, the cradle of American racing and breeding and near where American Pharoah will serve stud duty.

Baffert vowed to have American Pharoah properly prepared for his next race, saying, "He'll tell me."

Should anything happen to the colt in future races, Zayat is covered by an insurance policy for which the rates are "incredibly high," Baffert said recently.

Zayat, who has invested tens of millions of dollars into his breeding, buying and racing operation, believes it's not always about money when you're passionate about something.

"We are not thinking here of value or money," he said. "When the horse is ready, we will not be scared of running him to lose or not. It's all about the fans and this belongs to history."

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