Hot Springs, AR (SportsNetwork.com) – Champion colt American Pharoah is in
great shape following his Saturday victory in Oaklawn Park’s $750,000 Rebel
Stakes.
Owned by Zayat Stables and trained by Bob Baffert, American Pharoah used a
front running trip to register a 6 1/4-length win in the Rebel for his first
start of the year.
“This horse, he does things effortlessly,” Baffert said. “It wasn’t really
taxing on him. It turned out all right. He didn’t have to go too fast early. I
thought he ran great.”
The 3-year-old is scheduled to return to Santa Anita on Monday. The $1 million
Arkansas Derby on April 11 is a possible start before the Kentucky Derby on
May 2.
Also reported doing fine Sunday was champion filly Untapable even though she
lost the Azeri at Oaklawn to Gold Medal Dancer. Untapable, the 1-10 favorite,
lost by a half-length.
Trainer Steve Asmussen said Untapable will start next in either the $600,000
Apple Blossom Handicap on April 10 at Oaklawn or in a stakes race at Churchill
Downs on Kentucky Oaks/Derby Day.
Trainer Donnie Von Hemel said Gold Medal Dancer will be pointed for the Apple
Blossom.
