Jockey Victor Espinoza: ‘American Pharoah is a Tough Dude’ [AUDIO]

American Pharoah is running in the Travers on Saturday and jockey Victor Espinoza says it’s not just the horse that makes him feel confident. 

“I know [trainer Bob Baffert] would not run him if he was not 100%,” Espinoza told Armen and Levack. “For that, I have more comfort heading into this race.”

It's been said that Baffert is not a big fan of the Saratoga Race Course, where many favorites in the past have had their challenges on race day.

“I think it’s a tricky track. A lot of good horse have gotten beat there. I already know that, so I’ll be more focused on that race and will make sure he’s always running at his high speed.”

Espinoza said he did not run Pharoah to his fullest in his most recent race at Monmouth Park, in an attempt to conserve energy. Despite the three week turnaround and extensive travel, he still believes Pharoah will be at his best on Saturday.

“He’s a tough dude. It’s not going to be easy to run in a short period of time and travel back and forth. But if anyone can do it, American Pharoah can do it. He’s different than any other horse I’ve ever rode.”