Tipsheet: 2025 American Pharoah Stakes

Trainer Bob Baffert will saddle four of the six juveniles in the $300,000 American Pharoah S. (G1) at Santa Anita on Saturday. The Breeders’ Cup ‘Win and You’re In’ tilt will also offer a total of 21 qualifying points (10-5-3-2-1) to the top five finishers on the 2026 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series contest. 

American Pharoah Picks

• #6 Kristofferson
• #1 Desert Gate
• #3 Plutarch

American Pharoah Wagers

• $20 win and place #6 Kristofferson
• $10 trifecta key 6 with 1,3

American Pharoah Contenders

#1 DESERT GATE (3-2): Best Pal S. (G3) winner comes off a fine effort in the Del Mar Futurity (G1) in his most recent appearance. Talented son of Omaha Beach, who is the first from the Baffert brigade, can run from on or off the pace and rates a big chance with even minor improvement on Saturday. Regular pilot Juan Hernandez retains the mount. 

#2 INTREPIDO (6-1): The Jeff Mullins pupil drew off to a fine maiden win in his second try while coming home swiftly in the heat. The $385,000 two-year-old purchase has worked steadily in advance of this contest and can’t be ignored with Hector Berrios back in the irons. 

#3 PLUTARCH (10-1): Interesting Baffert pupil ran a strong second on debut and also checked in second trying the green most recently. The well-bred son of Into Mischief will have blinkers back on and will be doing his best work in the lane with Kimura taking the reins. He could be a live longshot.

#4 CIVIL LIBERTY (5-1): Maiden from the barn of Doug O’Neill finished a solid third in the recent Del Mar Futurity (G1) and could grab a share with another step in the right direction in this tough spot. The son of freshman sire Independence Hall will stalk the pace early with Antonio Fresu on board. 

#5 BALBOA (8-1): $875,000 son of Not This Time led to the turn for home before tiring in the Del Mar Futurity in his latest offering and will run with blinkers off for the initial time in this spot. The bay colt was a fine maiden winner at Del Mar two back, and he could be in the mix late if the equipment change aids him. He appears to be training well and will have Umberto Rispoli in the controls. 

#6 KRISTOFFERSON (9-5): Top pick left a good impression on me in his swift maiden victory on debut for Baffert. The $1.15 million son of Nyquist displayed heart in his score in his unveiling, and I think that he will appreciate the move to two turns in his second assignment. The Kentucky-bred will be in the clear throughout beneath Mike Smith.