'Pharoah' Draws Four in Haskell

Zayat Stables's American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) drew post four in what will be his first start since his historic sweep of the Triple Crown in Sunday's GI Willliam Hill Haskell Invtiational S., which is a “Win and You're In” event for the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland Oct. 31. Monmouth Park's oddsmaker Brad Thomas has installed the champion as the 1-5 morning-line favorite in this field of eight.

“He's holding his form and that's the whole key after all he's been through,” said Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, who is seeking a record eighth Haskell victory. “He had to show me that before I put him on the plane. My job is to keep him healthy and happy and ready to roll.”

Ralph Evans and WinStar Farm's GII Holy Bull S. winner Upstart (Flatter) is the second choice on the morning line at 6-1. The Rick Violette trainee, who is making his first starts since a disappointing effort in the GI Kentucky Derby May 2, will exit the one-hole with Joe Bravo in the irons for the first time.

Hometown hero and 'TDN Rising Star' Mr. Jordan (Kantharos) will break just to the right of American Pharoah in stall five at odds of 15-1. Trained by Eddie Plesa and ridden by Paco Lopez, the speedy gray was last seen winning this venue's GIII Pegasus S. June 21.

Fellow 'TDN Rising Star' Competitive Edge (Super Saver), winner of last term's GI Hopeful S. and this year's GIII Pat Day Mile S. May 2, drew the two-hole and is the third choice at 8-1. He will be joined by fellow Todd Pletcher trainees Nonna's Boy (Distorted Humor), who will exit post three at 30-1, and Dontbetwithbruno (Tiz Wonderful), who drew the outside stall at the same morning-line quote.

Also entered are GI Belmont S. third-place finished Keen Ice (Curlin), who drew the six-hole and was given a 12-1 shot, and recent Monmouth allowance winner Top Clearance (Majestic Warrior), who will break from gate six at odds of 30-1.

“We have never had a Triple Crown winner race in New Jersey before,” said Dennis Drazin, the consultant to Darby Development LLC, the operators of the track. “This will be a historic day for Monmouth Park. I am so proud to have this stellar field, led by a Triple Crown winner, competing in the Haskell.”