Watch CBS News

Triple Crown Winner American Pharoah 'Looks Great' Before Trip To Saratoga

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Bob Baffert says American Pharoah "looks great" two days before the Triple Crown winner is scheduled to leave California and arrive at Saratoga Race Course for Saturday's Travers Stakes.

The trainer spoke Monday from Del Mar Racetrack, where American Pharoah put in a convincing workout a day earlier that proved to Baffert the colt is ready for the 1 ¼-mile Travers.

The Hall of Fame trainer also says American Pharoah "got new shoes today" and called them "his new Nikes."

On Sunday, 52-year-old owner Ahmed Zayat confirmed American Pharoah would run in the Spa's showcase race, known as the "Mid-Summer Derby." The horse travels to the Spa on Wednesday.

The post-position draw is Tuesday night. If American Pharoah starts, the Travers purse increases by $350,000 to $1.6 million.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.