Danon Pharaoh Newest Winner for American Pharoah

It was two Japanese winners in two days for Triple Crown hero American Pharoah when Danon Pharaoh (2c American Pharoah x Crisp, by El Corredor) won over a mile on dirt to break his maiden at Tokyo Racecourse.

Following Nile River’s easy debut victory at Toyko Racecourse on Saturday, Danon Pharaoh loaded in the gate at the same track 24 hours later to make his second start after finishing second in his debut last month. The bay went straight to the lead and eagerly controlled the pace under Kosei Miura.

Given a few reminders in mid-stretch to stay focused when he opened up a large margin on the field, Miura switched to a hand ride in the final stages to finish first by 1¼ lengths for trainer Yoshito Yahagi and owner Danox Co. Ltd.

Bred by Northern Farm, Danon Pharaoh was a $1.6 million yearling purchase at the JRHA Select Sale and is out of Grade I winner Crisp, a half-sister to Listed winner Deer Valley and out of the half-sister to the dam of Grade I winner Whywhywhy and Tale Of the Cat’s Grade II winner Spellbinder.

Leading freshman sire American Pharoah has rocketed to an amazing start with his first runners. The stallion has 22 winners worldwide, including four stakes winners led by Grade II Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint winner Four Wheel Drive and Grade II Jessamine Stakes winner Sweet Melania. American Pharoah has nine stakes horses overall, including three Grade/Group 1 placed runners.