American Pharoah Fires Bullet

Zayat Stables’ American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) tuned up for Saturday’s GI Kentucky Derby with a bullet five-furlong breeze in :58.40 at Churchill Sunday. The move was the fastest of 32 at the distance. In his first work since a dominant victory in the Apr. 11 GI Arkansas Derby, last year’s juvenile champion turned in split times of :11.40; :23, :34.60 and :46.40. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:11.40. 

“He was just clipping along,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “He was doing it in hand, but that’s the way he works. Mr. [Ahmed] Zayat was wondering if he was going too fast, but he hasn’t seen him. That’s how he works in California. He does things really effortlessly. He galloped out strong, came back and wasn’t blowing. He handled it well.” 

Baffert added, “He’s where we want him to be. He hasn’t regressed. He looks great. It was pretty exciting to come in here on a nice, cool day, so everything worked out. From here on out we have to keep him happy.” 

Zayat, who has been second in the Derby three times, including with American Pharoah’s sire, was enjoying the moment Sunday. 

“This is one different horse,” he said. “I don’t how, other than the fact that we bred him. His daddy, Pioneerof the Nile ran in the Derby and almost got it done for us. His mommy, Littleprincessemma, named after my daughter, we raced her, we loved her. He is totally Zayat blood from A to Z. If you want to be in the Derby and you want to come with a horse that you feel would have a decent chance that would be the one. For that, it means a lot for us. It’s a privilege just to be here. It’s a humbling experience.” 

The Baffert-trained Dortmund (Big Brown), winner of the GI Santa Anita Derby, arrived at Churchill Downs Sunday afternoon. Arriving on the same plane from California were Derby contenders Firing Line (Line of David) and Bolo(Temple City).