International Double For American Pharoah
It was a strong morning abroad for Champion Freshman Sire American Pharoah on Saturday with impressive winners in Japan and England.
Danon Pharaoh (3c American Pharoah x Crisp, by El Corredor) kicked off an exciting few hours for his Triple Crown-winning sire when he took part in a nine furlong allowance on the dirt at Kyoto. The Triple Crown-nominated colt went straight to the front where he raced at the pacesetters hip in the early stages.
Drawing even as they entered the stretch Danon Pharoah was quickly ahead by a few lengths, extending the margin in the final furlong to win by an easy four lengths with Ryusei Sakai aboard for trainer Yoshito Yahagi. Owned by Danox Co, it is the second win in four starts for the colt.
The first winner out of Grade I winner Crisp, Danon Pharoah was bred by Northern Racing and sold for $1.6 million as a yearling at the JRA Select Yearling and Foal Sale.
A few hours later, on the other side of the world, Dublin Pharoah (3c American Pharoah x Wile Cat, by Storm Cat) became American Pharoah’s 31st winner with a victory in England.
Running over a mile on the all weather at Lingfield, Dublin Pharaoh broke slowly but quickly recovered to run just behind the leaders as the favorite. Around the far turn, Andrea Atzeni roused his mount to pick up the pace and Dublin Pharoah switched into another gear. He bounded after the leader with big strides to take over the lead inside the final furlong and pull away to an easy 1½ lengths with his ears pricked.
It was the colt’s first victory in three starts with the Roger Varian trainee finishing third to end his 2-year-old season last out for owner Damien Brennan.
A half-brother to Grade III winner Shumoos, the Springhouse Farm-bred Dublin Pharaoh was a $375,000 purchase at the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. He is one of five winners for six to race out of his dam, who was bred back to American Pharoah in 2019. Wile Cat is a full sister to Grade II winner Cat Fighter and half-sister to Group III Ishiguru.
Carrying his success on the track to his career as a stallion, American Pharoah is the sire of 31 winners in seven different countries, including five stakes winners and 14 stakes horses.