American Apple (American Pharoah) wins Gr.3 Matron Stakes at Belmont @Aqueduct

American Apple Newest Stakes Winner for Pharoah

One start after breaking her maiden at Kentucky Downs, KatieRich Farms homebred American Apple (2f American Pharoah x Miss Mary Apples, by Clever Trick) added a stakes win to her resume in the Grade III Matron Stakes.

Trained by Daniel Leitch, American Apple raced just over a length off the pacesetting Fleetfooted in the six furlong turf race as she bided her time to take the lead. Eric Cancel kept her in hand down the backstretch before asking her to pick up around the turn and she did just that.

The filly took the lead in the stretch and was game when challenged, winning by a neck.

KatieRich Stables’ Larry Doyle noted that American Apple may head to the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint for her next start. Horses sired by Coolmore America stallions have won two of the four editions of that race.

American Apple is the fourth stakes winner out of Miss Mary Apples, who also produced multiple graded stakes winner Lady Apple, multiple stakes winner Miss Red Delicious, and stakes winner and Grade II-placed Dr. Diamonds Prize.

Miss Red Delicious is also the dam of two stakes performers, including Uncle Mo’s stakes-placed Follow No One. Two other sisters were responsible for stakes winners Raon The Fighter and Parlor.

American Pharoah is the sire of 21 stakes performers and nine stakes winners this year, led by four Grade I winners coming in three different countries.