Meet the Contenders: 2024 American Pharoah Stakes
McKinzie Street (Photo by Benoit Photo)
October 3rd, 2024
Meet the horses running in the American Pharoah S. at Santa Anita. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents opportunity to perform well. Be sure to follow these contenders by adding them to your stable alerts.
McKinzie Street (Photo by Benoit Photo)
# 1 McKinzie Street *****
Pro: The one to beat on paper off second-place finish to Gaming in Del Mar Futurity (G1).
Con: Offered value first couple starts, but obviously won’t this time.
Show of Force (Photo by Benoit Photography)
#2 Show of Force **
Pro: Much improved since stretching out, albeit on the grass.
Con: Unplaced in only prior try on dirt, and a mile seemingly his limit so far.
Citizen Bull wins at Del Mar (Photo by Benoit Photo)
#3 Citizen Bull ****
Pro: Third when favored in Del Mar Futurity but remains with upside.
Con: Might try and show more speed this time but there is a lot of it in this race.
TwinSpires
#4 Mischief River **
Pro: Earned a piece of the purse in both Best Pal (G3) and Del Mar Juvenile Turf (G3).
Con: Tired late in last two and this might not prove different.
Emerald Bay wins at Del Mar (Photo by Benoit Photography)
#5 Emerald Bay ****
Pro: Rebounded from debut upset to win easily by three lengths.
Con: Winning Brisnet Speed rating of 80 a bit on the light side.
TwinSpires
#6 Start Mo Up *
Pro: Nowhere to go but up after nondescript first try.
Con: Soundly defeated on debut and needs far easier.
Getaway Car (Photo by Benoit Photo)
#7 Getaway Car ***
Pro: Impressive wins in first two outings; barn has won this 12 times.
Con: Couldn’t sustain pace set in Del Mar Futurity and not sure more distance is answer.
