American Pharoah Stakes 2021 Results: Baffert's Corniche leads

Full of roads ... the $300k Grade 1 American Pharoah at Santa Anita Park on Friday afternoon was laden with them. A conduit here to both the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), and 2022 Kentucky Derby Points (10-4-2-1), there was much to be had in the way of excitement.

Of course, trainer Bob Baffert will have to forgo any opportunity to make it to run under the Twin Spires in May, since he is facing a ban for 2 years. The Breeders' Cup is also considering his case, and they have yet to rule on whether or not the HOF trainer, who has faced a series of violations, can come to Del Mar in November.

As for the 7-horse field in the "Pharoah," it was Baffert's son of Quality Road, Corniche #1, that served as the race time "favorite" at odds of 2/5. The second choice was another Baffert entry, Rockefeller #6 who went off at 7/2. Right from the start, when the bell sounded, it was Corniche #1 with Mike Smith aboard who wrestled his way to the front. Past the 2nd Call, and on through the backstretch, he summarily built a healthy lead.

As Rockefeller #6 dropped back (he ended up 4th), it was Mark Casse's Pappacap #7 at odds of 13/1, and Keith Desormeaux's Oviatt Class #4 at odds 6/1, who ended up with the minor awards. Corniche #1 drew off nicely, and cruised to resounding victory.

Baffert in the end was triumphant, even without those precious Derby Points. The fine group of Speedway Stable enjoyed the spoils of this race ... but will he have the chance to visit Del Mar and their purple/white festival in the BC Juvenile? That remains to be seen ...