A POSSIBLE scenario to bring defeat for American Pharoah was predicted here (August 15th) although it came much sooner than expected, it did take two horses and a strong pace to bring it about. It always likely to be given that his natural style, or that dictated by Victor Espinoza, was to race near the lead although I expected him to remain unbeaten against his own age up to the Breeders Cup.

One analysis noted the mile time of 1m 35.08 was the fastest one mile time for the Travers in the last 25 runnings. After fighting off Frosted, American Pharoah was softened up enough to succumb to the late rush of Keen Ice.