American Pharoah’s Tijuana Wins G2 Bill Stutt
Tijuana (3c American Pharoah x Mexican Rose, by Volksraad) won a second stakes on Friday in Australia with a victory in the Group II Bill Stutt Stakes.
Racing over a mile on the turf at Moonee Valley, Tijuana took the lead with a furlong left and stayed in front from there. Going off as the race favorite, Tijuana won by half a length to take his record to three wins in five starts with two other top three finishes – both in stakes company.
Ben and JD Hayes train the colt for an ownership that includes his yearling purchaser Best Bloodstock. The connections are now eying the Group I Caulfield Guineas on August 8 for Tijuana with the colt also holding an entry to the October 22 Group I Cox Plate.
“Hopefully we have a nice chance in the Caulfield Guineas,” Ben Hayes told Brednet. “He’s definitely a horse on the up and is so exciting and a big congratulations to Jarred (Magnabosco) of Best Bloodstock as it’s the first horse we’ve purchased together at Magic Millions and we’re having a bit of fun with him.”
Tijuana is the final foal for dual champion Mexican Rose, who also produced stakes-placed Mexican Tycoon among her four winners from six to race. Mexican Rose is also a half-sister to Mastercraftsman’s Group III-placed Latin Rose. The family also includes Grade I Arlington Million winner Mill Native.
Tijuana is the 17th worldwide graded stakes winner for American Pharoah, who also has 30 stakes winners and 58 stakes performers from his three crops. That group includes six Grade I winners coming on dirt and turf in the U.S., Japan, and France.