Bitcoin Passion Becomes TDN Rising Star for American Pharoah

The Kahlid Abdul Rahim-bred and owned Bitcoin Passion (3c American Pharoah x Listen Dean, by Bernardini) became American Pharaoah’s latest debut winner on Sunday at Tampa Bay Downs.

Running over 1 1/16 miles on the turf, Irish-bred Bitcoin Passion broke well and ran near the back of the pack soon after the break. He was comfortable in that position for most of the race before jockey Antonio Gallardo maneuvered him through the field in the far turn. There was still work to be done in the stretch but Bitcoin Passion had more than enough running room on the outside of his rivals with an open track in front of him.

In only a few sweeping strides, Bitcoin Passion was even with the leaders before blowing past them to win by 1 ¾ lengths as the favorite for trainer Christophe Clement. The victory earned the colt Thoroughbred Daily News Rising Star status.

Bitcoin Passion is the second winner from two runners for winning mare Listen Dear. A three-quarters sister to Listed winner Indy Bird, she is also a half-sister to Grade II winner Listen Here and the Grade III-placed dam of Grade I winner La Coronel.

A deep pedigree, Bitcoin Passion’s extended family includes Champion Lost In The Fog and Grade I winners Listening and Bonapaw.

Bitcoin Passion was the second winner of the day for American Pharaoh after Soul Merit (3c American Pharoah x Placentia, by Bernardini) broke his maiden over 6½ furlong to become American Pharoah’s first Korean winner. Bred by Rosedown Racing Stable, Soul Merit is owned by Park Nam Sung.

Champion Freshman Sire American Pharoah has 30 winners with 12 stakes horses, including Breeders’ Cup winner Four Wheel Drive.