American Pharoah Scintillating in Arkansas Derby Runaway
Move over Dortmund, there is a new sheriff and new favorite for the 2015 Kentucky Derby in town. American Pharoah, last year's 2-year-old champion, is quickly demonstrating that he is even better this year. Making only his second start of the year after an easy win in the Rebel Stakes, the heavily favored champion could not have looked any better than he did today in winning Oaklawn Park's Arkansas Derby by eight lengths while cruising home under little encouragement the final furlong of the Grade 1 race.
The victory gave trainer Bob Baffert his second Arkansas Derby victory, having also trained Bodemeister to an overpowering win at the Hot Springs track in 2012. Like American Pharoah, that one was also owned by Zayat Stables, and would go on to finish second in both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness.
Cruising smoothly out of the starting gate under the 2014 winning Kentucky Derby rider, Victor Espinoza, American Pharoah soon gained an ideal stalking position from his number six post position. Content to track the solid early pace of Bridget’s Big Luvy, the 1-10 favorite settled nicely in second place as he watched the longshot carve out early fractions of :22.77 and :45.99.
When Espinoza gave the big horse his cue, the response was immediate. Ranging right up to the early leader on the far turn, there was no hesitation in going right on by. The other Zayat Stables’ runner, Mr. Z made a move on the outside and into second, but it was clear that Espinoza was riding a powder keg ready to explode as the eight-horse field made their way into the homestretch.
With each long, fluid stride, American Pharoah increased his advantage down the stretch, winning as easy as he wanted. It was the most visually impressive performance on this year’s Derby trail, and the kind of performance that all connections want to see from their horse heading into the Kentucky Derby.
“The way this horse runs is unbelievable," said Espinoza. "I don’t feel like he’s running that fast and then I look back and he’s so far ahead. He was doing it by himself and doing it easy.
"He's an amazing horse," said Baffert. "With the way he works, he's always been a professional horse from the start. We were hoping he could do something like that and he showed it today. We're so excited about him."
Far Right, who was way back while last through the early stages, rallied to get up for second, three-quarters of a length ahead of Mr. Z, who edged out Madefromlucky for third place money. While not even in the neighborhood of American Pharoah at the finish of the Arkansas Derby, the 40, 20 and 10 points they earned respectively, pushed their totals to 62, 34 and 30, which should be enough for all to qualify for spots in the starting gate on the first Saturday in May. American Pharoah, meanwhile, raised his Kentucky Derby point total to 160, and fourth on the list, behind only International Star, Dortmund, and Carpe Diem.
The victory in the million dollar race was American Pharoah's fourth win in five career starts. It was also his fourth commanding performance in a row after finishing fifth in his career debut. That was the only race in which he wore blinkers, and was ridden by someone other than Victor Espinoza.
"He's matured substantially," added Baffert. "We just worried about getting a clean break and he did, and then Victor rode him with a lot of confidence. When that other horse (Bridget's Big Luvy) got off to that lead, it was either that he's going to rate or he's going to be empty today. He's a good horse and he keeps moving forward. I don't want to get ahead of myself. but Dortmund is another one who we don't yet know how good he is. We've got a one-two punch and that's a good position to be in."
American Pharoah paid $2.20 for those willing to place a $2 to win on such a heavy favorite, and completed the nine furlongs over the fast track at Oaklawn Park in 1:48.52