Breeders' Cup Classic: American Pharoah lands post 4 for final start

LEXINGTON, Ky. – American Pharoah will wear saddlecloth No. 4 when he tries to close his career with a victory Saturday in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland, a race in which 10 were entered Monday, including the two-time champion mare Beholder and the outstanding older horse runners Honor Code and Tonalist. “Four is good. I’m happy with the post,” jockey Victor Espinoza said after the draw, which was held Monday evening at Keeneland.

Beholder landed the outside post, 10, but there is a long run to the first turn that should afford all runners a chance to secure early position in the 1 1/4-mile. Honor Code and Hard Aces, two late-runners, are drawn immediately inside Beholder, so she should be able to clear them. Smooth Roller, who usually is forwardly placed early, has post 7.

Tonalist landed the rail. Outside him, in post position order, are Keen Ice, Frosted, American Pharoah, Gleneagles, Effinex, Smooth Roller, Hard Aces, Honor Code, and Beholder. Mike Watchmaker, Daily Racing Form national handicapper, made American Pharoah the 8-5 favorite, with Beholder the second choice at 3-1.

Mike Battaglia, the morning-line odds maker at Keeneland, made American Pharoah the 6-5 favorite, with Beholder next at 3-1. American Pharoah is scheduled to fly to Kentucky from California on Tuesday.