American Pharoah Colt Much the Best in Hot Springs

Breaking his maiden last out, Clever Again (3c American Pharoah x Flattering, by Galileo) hit another milestone on Sunday with a victory in the Hot Springs Stakes.

Making his stakes debut in the one-mile dirt race, Clever Again quickly went to the lead under Jose Ortiz to set the pace. The colt held a comfortable advantage throughout the run and when urged for more at the top of stretch happily complied.

None of the horses in the field could mount a challenge with Clever Again pulling away to win by four lengths.

The winner of both his races this year, the Steve Asmussen trainee was also second on debut last April. He was a $500,000 purchase by Winchell Thoroughbreds from Ballysax Bloodstock as a yearling with Coolmore joining them in the racing ownership.

Coolmore also bred the colt out of Galileo mare Flattering, That mare was a Group III winner and has produced two winners from two to race as another successful mare out of Pikaboo.

Pikaboo also produced champion Love, Group II winner Lucky Kristale, and Group III winner Peach Tree.

This has bee another big weekend for American Pharoah, who saw son Luxor Café win in Japan to earn a Kentucky Derby spot along with Grade I Arkansas Derby second Publisher.