American Pharoah Due in Louisville April 13
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Two days after running away from his competition in the $1 million Arkansas Derby (gr. I), the ultra-impressive American Pharoah was slated to be on the move once again April 13, en route to Louisville and a much-anticipated appearance in the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).
Trainer Bob Baffert, speaking on "The Roger Stein Show" radio program the morning after the tour de force performance in Hot Springs, Ark., said that the son of Pioneerof the Nile had exited the Arkansas Derby just fine.
"He looks great and he ships to Churchill Downs Monday," said the Hall of Fame conditioner, who will be going for his fourth Kentucky Derby victory with the trio of American Pharoah, Dortmund, and One Lucky Dane.
But it was Zayat Stable's American Pharoah, just one week after Dortmund crushed the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I), who was all the rage after winning at Oaklawn Park by eight lengths.
"We learned so much about him. American Pharoah isn't one-dimensional," Baffert said. "(Jockey) Victor (Espinoza) was able to shut him down and he dropped the bit. That was the most impressive thing. He won't be in the danger zone if there's a speed duel in the Derby.
"Victor rode him with so much confidence. He knew he had a lot of horse and more (gears) there if he needs them. The horse is ridiculously talented."
Baffert, however, has been just as pleased at the progression made by the undefeated Dortmund, a son of Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner Big Brown owned by Kaleem Shah.
"The Santa Anita Derby was nothing for him," Baffert said. "He came out of it great and I think the two of them are pretty close to each other."
With this potent 1-2 punch, Baffert nevertheless made it clear there is a long road yet to travel.
"You still need racing luck," he said. "We're allowed to dream in Technicolor, but it all has to go well. You take nothing for granted and go there like they're 10-1. With 20 horses anything can happen. Look at Point Given.
"I heard that UK (basketball coaches) showed films of Secretariat to their team. I'm going to show my crew the UK-Wisconsin (basketball) game to keep them on their toes."