American Pharoah Stakes Betting Guide

The American Pharoah Stakes is one of the big races on the road to the Breeders' Cup, as the brightest two-year-olds in training take to the track to earn a spot in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. This race will take place on September 25th in 2021. But, which horses could have the best chance of winning the illustrious Grade 1?

American Pharoah Stakes Event Details


Named after one of the most iconic American horses in the sport's history, the American Pharoah Stakes is open to horses that are two years old. It is run over a distance of 1 1/16 miles, and takes place annually in September at Santa Anita Park. It is a Grade 1, which is run on dirt.

American Pharoah Stakes Preview


The American Pharoah Stakes is a significant stop not just on the road to the Breeders' Cup but also the Kentucky Derby in 2022. It is one of the first races to award Kentucky Derby points, which means it is an important race for gamblers to watch with an eye on the future. Below, you will find some of the runners that could line up for the American Pharoah Stakes:


  • Vodka N Water

  • Baytown Frosty

  • Positive Mojo


One horse that certainly looks primed for an excellent season both this year and next is Vodka N Water. Steven Asmussen trains this two-year-old, and he already boasts the quickest speed figures this season for the males that are the same age as him. Asmussen is yet to win the American Pharoah Stakes, but this progressive young horse could be open for more improvement on route to the Kentucky Derby next year. He finished second behind Averly Jane in the Kentucky Juvenile Stakes and was also second on his maiden.


Baytown Frosty was also involved in the Kentucky Juvenile Stakes, but he finished back in sixth over the five-furlong sprint. The two-year-old, trained by Paul McEntee, never looked comfortable on that day at Churchill Downs, and connections would be happy to put it down as a learning experience. Before finishing sixth in that race, he had won a race at Keeneland and finished third on his maiden start. In the race that he finished third, he was outpaced in the closing stages by Vodka N Water.


Positive Mojo could also be a leading contender for the American Pharoah Stakes for trainer Molly Pearson. The two-year-old currently has the third-highest speed rating and looks good value to improve on his first run on the track back in January as the season progresses. On that occasion, he was beaten in the Turf Paradise Open Spring Futurity, but his performance still caught the imagination.

American Pharoah Stakes Event Information


The American Pharoah Stakes had been known by a number of names throughout its history, but it has constantly been a high-quality race. It was given Grade 1 status in 1980 before being downgraded 13 years later. However, it was upgraded once again in 2007. Before being known as the American Pharoah Stakes, in honor of the 2015 Triple Crown winner, it was first known as the Norfolk Stakes until 2011. It then became the FrontRunner Stakes until the race was named after the iconic horse in 2018.


The race is most synonymous with giving gamblers a first look at some of the most talented two-year-olds. Ten Kentucky Derby qualifying points are awarded to the winner of the race, as well as an invitation for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Iconic horses have won this race in the past, including American Pharoah in 2014 and Nyquist the following year.


Bob Baffert has dominated this race throughout its history, as he has had nine winners. His most recent training success came with Eight Rings in 2019. Last year's winner of the race was Get Her Number for trainer Peter Miller. Alex Solis is the most successful jockey in the history of the American Pharoah Stakes, as he has ridden the winner on seven occasions. One of his wins came on board Ruler's Court, who remains the speed record holder after winning the race in 1:14.27.

American Pharoah Stakes Betting Information


Making bets on the American Pharoah Stakes is extremely popular. All of the leading sportsbooks will offer betting markets for the compelling Grade 1 in 2021. Some of the betting markets that you will be able to find can be found below:


  • Win: Placing a bet on the win market is the most straightforward. To gain returns from this market, you must find the winner of the American Pharoah Stakes.

  • Place: Gamblers can also wager money on a selection to finish in a place position in the American Pharoah Stakes. Your selection must finish in the first two to get returns.

  • Exacta: Gamblers can place a bet on the first two horses to finish the American Pharoah Stakes. Selections must finish in the correct order to get returns.