Fourth Grade 1 winner for Coolmore shuttler American Pharoah
Less than two hours after American Pharoah saw son Forbidden Kingdom (3 c ex Just Louise by Five Star Day) win the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes (8.5f) on Saturday, his daughter As Time Goes By (5 m Take Charge Lady by Dehere) became her sire's fourth Grade 1 winner when she captured the Beholder MIle (8f).
Second in the race last year, As Time Goes By bumped with Varda (Distorted Humor) as the field broke from the gate but was quickly into stride and went to the head of the field under jockey Flavien Prat. Grade 3 winner Miss Bigly (Gemologist) made her challenge in the straight but could not match the winner who scored by two and a quarter lengths.
Trained by Bob Baffert, As Time Goes By has won seven of her 14 starts with five of those coming at the graded stakes level. In all, the mare has finished on the board in 11 of 14 starts for over US$955,000 in earnings.
"She is such an exciting and classy mare," said Baffert. "She never breaks a sweat. I think the longer the better with her. These (American) Pharoah horses are fast. It's a great day for Pharoah horses. American Pharoah has meant so much to racing."
As Time Goes By is the third Grade 1 winner for three-time Grade 1 winner and Broodmare of the Year Take Charge Lady (Dehere) who has also produced Champion 3-Year-Old Will Take Charge (Unbridled's Song) and Grade 1 Florida Derby (9f) winner Take Charge Indy (A P Indy).
American Pharoah is now the sire of two Grade 1 winners on dirt and two on turf with both of his dirt Grade 1 winners winning the races in the past two weeks.
