They say you can't have enough of a good thing, but that clearly isn't the case for American Pharoah.
The thoroughbred—despite becoming the first horse to win the illustrious Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978—will make his next start in the Travers Stakes. The event will be held Aug. 29 at Saratoga Race Course.
Owner Ahmed Zayat believes a victory will go a long way in cementing his legacy if he were to win the "Midsummer Derby."
"I have made it very clear that I want to go to the Travers," Zayat said, per Bloodhorse. "We are motivated by what defines his legacy. If it's up to me, it would be the Travers. I have made my desires known to my trainer. He knows what I want."
What's it like to ride Triple Crown winner American Pharoah at full speed? See for yourself: https://t.co/hHC9k1ccQn
— ESPN (@espn) August 2, 2015
Part of what Zayat may want is the newly raised $1.6 million purse. The New York Racing Association announced it would increase the purse should American Pharoah decide to run, a raise Zayat vehemently denied playing a part in his decision.
"I was very surprised that Saratoga raised their purse," Zayat said. "I have not asked [racetrack representatives] for a nickel. I had zero financial discussions with them. The purse raise came as a surprise to me.
"If it were about the money, we would be going to the Pennsylvania Derby because they are offering appearance fees to Bob [Baffert] and I."
Much like Sir Barton in 1920, American Pharoah is one of the few horses to continue running despite reaching the summit of horse racing. He won the William Hill Haskell Invitational just last Saturday, capturing a $1.75 million purse.
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