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American Pharoah filly puts in dominant display.
Merneith (3 f ex Flattermewithroses by Flatter) - a filly by Coolmore Stud shuttler American Pharoah (Pioneerof The Nile) - produced an ultra dominant performance to break her maiden over six furlongs at Oaklawn Park on Sunday.
Going off a strong favourite for the race, Merneith broke from the widest barrier and was quickly angled in to race just behind the leader. The Bob Baffert-trained filly travelled strongly throughout the contest and headed the leader as the field came off the turn.
The three-year-old then showed a devastating turn of foot in the straight to come away with a ten and quarter length victory over It's Mine (Medaglia d'Oro).
Bred by China Horse Club, Merneith was sold for US$350,000 as a weanling to Gary Contessa from Hunter Valley Farm at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale. The filly realised US$600,000 when purchased by Narvick International on behalf of owner Prince Sultan Bin Mishal Al Saud at the OBS Two-Year-Old Select Sale from the De Meric Sales draft last year.
The filly is one of two winners from as many named foals out of the winning Flatter (A.P.Indy) mare Flattermewithroses.
Meanwhile, the filly's third dam is Grade 2 winner Fluttery Danseur (Wavering Monarch) - the dam of Listed scorer Derive (Cozzene).
American Pharoah's first yearlings were well received in Australia this season, with 49 of his yearlings selling for an aggregate of $12,252,000 at an average of $250,040 - which represents a good return off his 2017 service fee of $66,000 (inc GST).
The stallion is the sire of 37 winners including six stakes winners, headed by Grade 2-winning pair Four Wheel Drive and Sweet Melania and his first crop of Australian yearlings are set to hit the track next season.