Conch Pearl Eight Length Winner for Pharoah

American Pharoah’s success in Japan continued on Saturday when Conch Pearl (2f American Pharoah x AZ Warrior, by Bernardini) romped to an eight length maiden victory at Kokura.

The 7 ½ furlong dirt race saw the Triple Crown winner’s daughter sprint out to the lead as she and a few other horses opened up lengths on the rest of the field. After a furlong and a half, Conch Pearl was comfortably in control when ignoring the pressure others tried to put on her.

As the field turned into the straight, Conch Pearl extended her lead and was given an easy ride by Yuga Kawada when it was clear she was much the best.

It was the third race for Conch Pearl, who had finished on the board in her two turf starts for trainer Kazuya Nakatake and owner Kodai Maeda.

Bred by Triemore Stud in Kentucky, Conch Pearl was a $340,000 Keeneland September purchase by North Hills from Eaton Sales. The filly out of Grade I winner A Z Warrior is also a half-sister to Galileo’s stakes winner Key to My Heart and stakes-placed Executive Chairman.

A Z Warrior is also a half-sister to Grade II winner Jojo Warrior, Grade III winner E Z Warrior, and stakes winner J Z Warrior with all four out of stakes-placed Carson Jen.

A Z Warrior had a Justify filly in 2020, who is offered as Hip 269 at the Keeneland September Sale by Eaton Sales. She had another Justify colt this year and visited Uncle Mo.

The sire of six 2-year-old winners this year, led by stakes winner Trust Our Journey, American Pharoah has also sired 16 winners from 21 starters overall in Japan.