American Cleopatra set for Career Debut

It's summertime, and in the Thoroughbred racing world, it means the two-year-olds are coming out in full force. Horses with big pedigrees and potential talent are getting ready, or have already made their debuts. This Sunday at Del Mar, a filly trained by Bob Baffert will make her career debut. This is, however, no ordinary filly. The third race at Del Mar will feature the highly anticipated career debut of American Cleopatra, the full sister to 2015 Triple Crown winner American Phaorah. Owned by Zayat Stables and trained by Bob Baffert, the only thing that changes is the man who will ride, as Stewart Elliot will get the call in the race. The excitement is building towards Cleo's career debut.

American Cleopatra was born in 2014, and bred by Ahmed Zayat. By Pioneerof the Nile out of Littleprincessemma, the possibilities of what kind of filly she could become are sky high. The bar has been raised  for "Cleo". After all, to follow your Triple Crown winning brother is a hard act. Last year, horse racing was taken to the top of the sports world during American Pharoah's historic run.

American Cleopatra has turned in solid and steady workouts at Santa Anita and Del Mar. She has earned the praise of trainer Bob Baffert, with him saying she is a lot different than Pharaoh in terms of their stride, but he feels that the talent could be there. American Pharoah finished fifth in his career debut, but he was throwing fits and tantrums in the paddock and lost all chance. According to Baffert, Cleopatra has been a well behaved filly and is poised to win at first asking. 

American Cleopatra is the part of the now "marriage" between Pioneerof the Nile and her dam Littleprincessemma. Since giving birth to American Cleopatra, Littleprincessemma has given birth to a full brother named Irish Pharoah, who is now a yearling and was sold privately last year. In 2016, Littleprincessemma gave birth to a colt by Tapit now named Chasing Yesterday and most recently, she was bred back to Pioneerof the Nile for a 2017 foal. This is a family that will be stretching on for many years to come. American Pharoah has set the bar high and his young siblings are gonna feel the pressure to perform. Starting this Sunday, the next phase in the story of American Pharaoh begins, as his full sister, American Cleopatra, hits the track for the first time. Good luck American Cleopatra, we are all rooting for you.