Keen Ice takes second to American Pharoah at Haskell

Article via The Des Moines Register, John Naughton. Photo: Getty Images

The horses are expected to meet again Aug. 29 in the 146th running of the Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. It’s 11/4-mile race is well-suited for Keen Ice; Sunday’s distance was 11/8-mile.

American Pharoah captured the Triple Crown by sweeping the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.

Keen Ice finished seventh in the Derby and took third in the Belmont.

Crawford said American Pharoah’s owners could easily have retired the horse from racing after completing the Triple Crown.

“They don’t have to run this horse any more,” Crawford said.

Instead, American Pharoah has brought waves of fan interest and media attention to horse racing.

Crawford said Keen Ice ran his best race Sunday. He also established himself as the top candidate to defeat the Triple Crown champion.

“It’s clear that these two are the best 3-year-olds in the world,” Crawford said. “This rivalry is so good for the sport.”