American Pharoah Remains Sharp for Return
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Zayat Stables' 2-year-old champion American Pharoah Feb. 9 turned in his second work as he prepares for his 3-year-old debut, most likely in the March 14 Rebel Stakes (gr. II) at Oaklawn Park rather than the March 7 San Felipe Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita Park.
The son of Pioneerof the Nile worked three furlongs in :36 2/5 and galloped out a half-mile.
"American Pharoah worked nicely today," said Zayat Stables' Justin Zayat. "He is coming back in good shape and is getting fitter and fitter every day. He's a happy and healthy horse. Bob (Baffert) is very happy with how he is doing."
American Pharoah, who was also bred by Zayat Stables, has not run since winning the grade I FrontRunner Stakes at Santa Anita Sept. 27. An injury forced him to the sidelines days before the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I), which was won in dominant fashion by Texas Red, who American Pharoah defeated by more than five lengths in the FrontRunner.
In his previous start, he easily won the grade I Del Mar Futurity on Polytrack.
In other notable works Feb. 9, Steve Asmussen sent out 3-year-old filly champion Untapable for an easy five-furlong work in 1:02 4/5 at Fair Grounds Race Course, while multiple stakes winner Tapiture worked his five panels in 1:02 1/5.