American Pharoah's journey to the Breeders' Cup Classic on Oct. 31 will have an added detour if Monmouth Park has its way.
The Triple Crown winner is already expected to appear in the Travers Stakes on Aug. 29. Monmouth Park officials, however, are attempting to put together a $1-million race, plus a lucrative multi-race bonus package for American Pharoah owner Ahmed Zayat, per App.com.
Money will be fronted and a race will be created for whatever date Zayat and trainer Bob Baffert desire. Dennis Drazin, advisor to Monmouth Park officials, is optimistic of his chances to land the biggest name in horse racing.
"I think we're still alive,'' Drazin said. "We're trying to get insurance quotes on a three-race bonus package that would include the Travers, our race and the Breeders' Cup Classic. And we're budgeting that we may still need a $1-million for the race.
"Let's say he goes in the Travers,'' he added. "He will need another race to run in because I don't think you're just going to put your horse away for two months and we're very interested in putting up a race for him. I think he's already said he's not going to the Pennsylvania Derby [on Sept. 19]. I think there are some options in California with the Awesome Again [on Sept. 26]."
Drazin and his efforts aside, Zayat and Baffert are increasingly playing a dangerous game. American Pharoah's legacy cannot be cemented further.
Running a meaningless race will do nothing to supplant a historic run in 2015, becoming the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. A loss, or even worse an injury, will add an unnecessary narrative to what is already a finished product.
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