Rhythm Section American Pharoah’s Newest Winner
Rhythm Section (3c American Pharoah x Rhythm And Rhyme, by Unbridled’s Song) became American Pharoah’s newest winner on Friday at Gulfstream Park when digging in to win a 1 1/16-mile maiden on the turf.
Racing in the back of the spread out field, he had plenty to do with Luis Saez aboard as the field entered the far turn. However, the colt proved he was up for the challenge when making a big move to pass most of the field. Racing just a length off the leader when entering the stretch five wide, he had the lead in his sights as he set down for his final drive.
In the final furlong, Rhythm Section looked to be a clear leader but was in for another fight with a rival closing fast. Switching to the rail, Rhythm Section held on gamely to win by a nose and become American Pharoah’s 34th winner.
Trained by Todd Pletcher for Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, the colt bred by Chelston is the fourth winner from four to race out of his dam Rhythm And Rhyme. A full sister to Grade I winner Magnificent Song, Rhythm And Rhyme is also the half-sister to three other stakes horses two stakes producers.
The mare visited American Pharoah’s Grade I-winning studmate Mendelssohn in 2019.
Triple Crown winner American Pharoah has found fast success at stud as last year’s Champion Freshman Sire. The stallion’s first crop produced 15 stakes horses including six stakes winners, led by Grade II Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint winner Four Wheel Drive and Grade II Jessamine winner Sweet Melania.