American Pharoah Stakes Picks —Betting Preview and Predictions (Oct 4)

A busy weekend of horse racing action, which also includes the high-quality renewal of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, continues at Santa Anita on Oct 4. The American Pharoah Stakes is one of the first major prep races ahead of the Kentucky Derby in 2026, while the victor this weekend will also secure their spot in next month’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. You can find our picks for the race here.

Odds

American Pharoah Stakes Recent Winners

American Pharoah Stakes: Event Information

Race Preview

Some of the most talented juveniles in the U.S. will be in action this weekend, as the 2025 edition of the American Pharoah Stakes is staged at Santa Anita. As well as being a race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, it has been a notable prep ahead of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, with Citizen Bull completing the double last year.

Bob Baffert has trained the winner of the American Pharoah Stakes in each of the last four years, and has clocked up a staggering six wins in the last seven editions. Therefore, Desert Gate is incredibly challenging to overlook at the top of the betting.

The two-year-old has won twice from three career starts, and should relish this step up in distance after finishing a solid second behind Brant over seven furlongs in the G1 Del Mar Futurity last month.

Intrepido could be an interesting alternative for trainer Jeff Mullins. The two-year-old has substance to his form after winning over a mile at Del Mar in August, putting an impressive three lengths between himself and the re-opposing Plutarch in a maiden special weight.

Civil Liberty will have a point to prove for the Doug O’Neill yard on Saturday after twice being well beaten by Brant at Del Mar. His latest effort saw him finish third in the G1 Del Mar Futurity. However, this step up in distance aids his chances.

American Pharoah Stakes Picks

The two big Bob Baffert runners look to have the best form lines this weekend. However, Kristofferson could be the runner best bred for this challenge. The two-year-old was a standout winner on debut over an inadequate six furlongs at Del Mar, and Mike Smith is now booked to take the ride on his first effort in Grade One company.

Other Santa Anita Picks For Oct 4, 2025