Bob Baffert is hopeful quality American Pharoah (USA) mare As Time Goes By will remain in training next year as a five year-old as he believes she can win a Group I after racking up another Graded victory on Sunday.
A homebred for the Coolmore partners, As Time Goes By scored a stylish length and a quarter win in the Group III Bayakoa Stakes (1 and 1/16th m).
She raced on the pace at a blistering speed and was strongly challenged by runner-up Warren’s Showtime, but repelled that rival to score her fifth win from 12 starts taking her prizemoney tally to $535,600.
“I love this filly. I love [wife] Jill number one and this filly number two,” said Bob Baffert.
“My two favorite girls. They went so fast early, I was afraid of the runner-up who is a really good horse, and I was hoping [As Time Goes By] would have something left.
“I’ve always been high on her. I’m hoping she runs as a 5-year-old because I’d really like to win a Grade I with her and I know she can. Her owners said if she’s doing well they will keep her in training.”
One of 23 stakes-winners worldwide by American Pharoah, As Time Goes By comes with an impressive pedigree.
She is a half-sister to Champion US 3YO Colt Will Take Charge and Group I winner Take Charge Indy being the last recorded foal from 2013 US Broodmare of the Year Take Charge Lady, a triple Group I winner that is also the grand-dam of multiple Group I winners Take Charge Brandi and Omaha Beach.
American Pharoah is currently in Australia for Coolmore finishing his fifth season here at a fee of $49,500.
