Amani’s Eagle Flies to Maiden Victory for Pharoah

Sumaya U.S. Stable’s Amani’s Eagle (3c American Pharoah x Amani, by Morning Raider) led all the way at Churchill Downs to break his maiden by four lengths on Saturday.

Running over 1 3/16 miles on dirt, Amani’s Eagle went to the lead at the start and had it at every call under Mike Smith. Trained by Steve Asmussen, the colt raced into the first turn three wide as he dueled to secure his front spot. He was finally able to pull away and opened up about a length on the field as they raced down the backstretch.

It looked like the colt may be challenged as the field entered the stretch but Smith sat confidently on Amani’s Eagle, who was never fully extended. He crossed the line four lengths in front to become the second winner for his dam.

Bred by International Equities Holding, Amani’s Eagle is out of dual Chilean champion Amani, whose 10 career victories include four Group I races. The colt also hails from the family of Chile Horse of the Year Set Fool and Group I winner Zambitamba.

It has been a top two weeks for last year’s Champion Freshman Sire with American Pharoah siring four stakes horses – including two Grade III winners – last week and a 400,000gns colt at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale on Thursday.