American Pharoah leads 35 invited to William Hill Haskell

Triple Crown winner American Pharoah tops a list of 35 3-year-olds who were extended invitations to Monmouth Park’s signature event, the $1 million, Grade 1 William Hill Haskell Invitational to be renewed for the 48th time on Sunday, Aug. 2.

In the light blue and yellow colors of Zayat Stables LLC, American Pharoah became the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years when he captured the Belmont Stakes earlier this month.  The homebred colt by Pioneerof the Nile, who also raced for Zayat, has won his last seven starts, dating back to his maiden score in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity on Sept. 3, 2014.

Zayat Stables previously tasted Haskell success when Paynter drew off to a nearly four length score in 2012.
The mile and an eighth Haskell, which has seen 26 champions and eight Hall of Fame members make the starting gate, will be televised live on NBC from 5 to 6 p.m.

With several 3-year-old events still on the racing calendar prior to the Haskell, the number of invitees is likely to grow as New Jersey’s most anticipated horse race draws nearer.  In addition to American Pharoah, the list of initial invites includes Grade 1 winners Carpe Diem, Dortmund, Frosted, Materiality and Texas Red.  The full list is:

American Pharoah, Firing Line , Mr .Z, Blofeld, Frammento, Ocho Ocho Ocho, Carpe Diem , Frosted, Prospect Park, Classy Class, Gimme Da Lute, Souper Colossal, Competitive Edge, Island Town, Stanford, Conquest,  Curlinate, Japan, Tale of Verve,
Danish Dynaformer, Keen Ice ,  Tekton, Diving Rod, Kentuckian, Tencendur, Donworth, Madefromlucky, Texas Red, Dortmund, March,  Upstart, Fame and Power, Materiality, War Story, Far Right,  Mr. Jordan.