Amsden Latest Impressive Winner For American Pharoah

American Pharoah’s Amsden (2c American Pharoah x Tessie Flip, by Grand Slam) was challenged throughout but refused to give in at Colonel Downs on Tuesday as he led all the way to break his maiden on debut.

Running five furlongs on the turf for trainer Wesley Ward, Amsden had company on the front end but handled the pressure beautifully with Trevor McCarthy aboard. Losing the lead briefly at the top of the stretch, that was just what Amsden needed to put his mind to the job, sticking his head back in front and running to the line.

In the final furlong, Amsden put his rival away and worked on building his margin to an easy three lengths at the line.

Going off as a heavy favorite, Amsden is owned by Andrew Farm, For The People Racing Stable, and Windmill Manor Farm. Purchased by the partnership for $350,000 from the Paramount Sales consignment at last year’s Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Amsden was bred by Springhouse Farm, Crosshaven Bloodstock and Circular Rd Breeders out of the stakes producing Tessie Flip.

A two-time winner herself, Tessie Flip is the dam of three winners from three to race led by Listed winning Jo Jo Air. Also a half-sister to two time Grade I winner Switch, Tessie Flip is one of two stakes producers out of Antoniette, whose Listed winning Keystone Gulch produced Australian Group II second Top Ravine and Group III Albany runner-up Celtic Beauty.

Tessie Flip also has a yearling colt by three-time Grade I winner Practical Joke and a colt born this year by Grade I Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Mendelssohn in the wings as well.

Amsden continued a top seven days for Champion Freshman Sire American Pharoah, who’s seen five horses escorted to the winner’s circle since last Thursday, including Grade III Quick Call winner Turned Aside.