American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) breezed seven furlongs in 1:23 flat at Santa Anita Wednesday morning as he prepares for the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland Oct. 31. It was the most serious piece of work for the Triple Crown champ since he was upset by Keen Ice (Curlin) in the GI Travers S. Aug. 29. Breaking well behind stablemate and fellow Zayat Stables colorbearer Madam Aamoura (Zensational), American Pharoah clicked off splits of 12.20, 24.00, 35.00, 47.00, 59.80 and 1:11.40 with a one-mile gallop-out in 1:37.20. “He went really well,” offered Hal of Fame conditioner Baffert. “We wanted to get a strong work out of him and it looks like he handled it really well. He's reaching, running and looked like he came back happy, so we're right on target. We put a horse out there in front of him… Madam Aamoura… he needed a target.” American Pharoah is expected to breeze twice more in California before shipping to Kentucky at the beginning of Breeders' Cup week.
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