A Shin Amen Ra Wins Again for American Pharoah

A Shin Amen Ra (3c American Pharoah x I O Ireland, by Giant’s Causeway) was the second winner in as many days in Japan for American Pharoah on Sunday with a victory at Kyoto.

Racing over 1 1/8 miles on dirt against his elders, the colt returned to his best after a short break when he raced just off the leader from the start. Keen to go on, A Shin Amen Ra pressed the pace throughout the run before cruising to the lead in the far turn.

As they entered the stretch A Shin Amen Ra already had a sizable lead on the field and he kept in front throughout the rest of the run to win by 1½ lengths in the end.

It was the third win in six starts for the 3-year-old, who is trained by Kenji Nonaka for Eishindo Co. Purchased by K.K. Eishindo for $325,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, the Team Block-bred A Shin Amen Ra is out of their stakes winning mare I O Ireland.

That mare is a half-sister to the Grade III winning duo of Amazing Results and Ioya Bigtime in addition to Listed winner Mavericking and Grade II-placed Another Mystery. The American Pharoah x Giant’s Causeway cross has produced three winners, led by stakes winner and Group III-placed Ocean Atlantique and Group I fourth American Monarch.

The dam of two runners, I O Ireland produced a filly by Uncle Mo this year.

Triple Crown winner American Pharoah has seen his runners have tremendous success in Japan with eight winners from 10 runners led by Group III winner Café Pharaoh and stakes winner Danon Pharoah.