Stepped up in distance for the Group III ATC Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at Rosehill on Saturday, American Pharoah (USA) colt Head of State came into his own scoring a determined win over boom Deep Impact colt Profondo, the Magic Millions sale-topper from 2020.
Profondo looked certain to win, until the Chris Waller trained Head of State knuckled down to his task and hit the line hard to beat his more fancied rival by a neck with nearly four lengths back to the next horse.
The two
colts are likely to have a rematch in the Group I Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) in two weeks time.
"That's the plan. We thought he would take good progress from today's run in two weeks' time," Waller said.
"Obviously, the second horse was very good and he'll have a bit of improvement to come. I love the way they gapped the rest.
“I was fortunate enough to meet American Pharoah and what an amazing horse he was. I also met Bob Baffert at the same time, the three of us and it’s something I will remember all of my life.
“I’ve said to my owners just stick with American Pharoah, he’s the real deal they just need a bit of time. From their two year-old year to three year-old year things can change a lot.”
Head of State was the most expensive yearling by his sire sold in Australia in 2020, purchased by Tom Magnier for $850,000 from the Lime Country Thoroughbreds draft at Magic Millions.
He has the overall record of two wins and a second from seven starts with prizemoney in excess of $180,000.
Head of State was bred by Brad Crismale and is a half-brother to Group II winner Man from Uncle being the third winner from unraced Danehill Dancer (IRE) mare Derelique, who is from the family of the Crismale’s former star mare and multiple Group II winner Shania Dane.
Derelique was bought by Colm Santry Bloodstock for the Crismale family from the 2009 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale for $80,000 and while she never made it to the races, the mare has proven a goldmine as a producer, her combined offspring selling for $1.8million.
The Crismale family have had much success through horses sourced by Colm Santry that include Shania Dane, Danesty Shalang, Amory Lane, Tavarnelle and Gliding.
Derelique has produced another colt by American Pharoah (USA) this spring and is booked to visit Wootton Basset (GB).
Head of State is the 23rd stakes-winner worldwide for American Pharoah, but is his first in Australia.
The Triple Crown winner is back at Coolmore this spring at a fee of $49,500.
