What is the American Pharoah Stakes?
The American Pharoah Stakes is a prestigious Grade 1 horse race for two-year-old Thoroughbreds held annually at Santa Anita Park in California. The race covers a distance of 1 1/16 miles on dirt and serves as a "Win and You're In" event for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. It is named after the 2015 Triple Crown winner, American Pharoah, who himself won the race in 2014 when it was still known as the FrontRunner Stakes.
When is the American Pharoah Stakes held in 2024?
The American Pharoah Stakes will take place on October 5th. This event is a key race for two-year-old thoroughbreds, often serving as a stepping stone to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile.
American Pharoah Stakes Winners
Many notable horses have won the American Pharoah Stakes over the years. Some of the older standouts include Capote (1986), Chief's Crown (1984), and Snow Chief (1985), all of whom went on to have illustrious careers.
Best Pal won in 1990 and became one of the most successful California-breds of all time. Lookin at Lucky (2009) is another key winner, known for winning the Preakness Stakes in 2010. These older champions highlight the significance of the race in identifying future stars.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Citizen Bull | Martin Garcia | Bob Baffert | SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Bashor, Dianne, Determined Stables, Masterson, Robert E., Ryan, Tom J., Waves Edge Capital LLC and Donovan, Catherine | 1:44.30 |
| 2023 | Muth | Juan Hernandez | Bob Baffert | Zedan Racing | 1:42.45 |
| 2022 | Cave Rock | Juan Hernandez | Bob Baffert | Mike Pegram, Karl Watson, Paul Weitman | 1:43.05 |
| 2021 | Corniche | Mike E. Smith | Bob Baffert | Speedway Stables | 1:44.75 |
| 2020 | Get Her Number | Flavien Prat | Peter Miller | Gary Barber | 1:44.92 |
The American Pharoah Stakes is part of the "Road to the Kentucky Derby" series, offering valuable points that help determine the lineup for the Kentucky Derby. The winner earns qualifying points, making it an essential race for horses aiming for a spot in the Run for the Roses. For online horse betting, this adds an extra layer of interest, as bettors can follow horses early on their journey toward Derby glory.
