Unbeaten Grade 1 winner Hughes will face his first challenge around two turns this Saturday in the Grade 1 $300,000 American Pharoah Stakes, a 1 1/16-mile race for 2-year-olds at Santa Anita Park. As part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge series, the victor of the American Pharoah secures a fully paid entry into the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, scheduled for October 30 at Keeneland Race Course.
Trained by Bob Baffert, Hughes recently extended his winning streak to three with a commanding 4 ¾-length victory in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity at seven furlongs last month. This Into Mischief colt also claimed the Grade 3 Best Pal Stakes over six furlongs at Del Mar earlier. Bought for $675,000 at the 2025 Keeneland September yearling sale, Hughes is owned by Front Row Club, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, among others. Jockey Juan Hernandez, who piloted Hughes in both of his previous wins, will be back in the saddle.
Another contender emerging from the Del Mar Futurity is Dang Son, a Good Magic colt who finished third in that stakes race. Purchased for $250,000 as a yearling, Dang Son is trained by Doug O’Neill and races for Calumet Farm. Prior to his stakes debut, he earned his first win on August 15 at Del Mar, breaking his maiden on turf over a mile. Emisael Jaramillo is slated to ride Dang Son.
Baffert has three additional entries: impressive debut winner Imperial Honor, as well as Domus and Emancipate. Remarkably, all four horses under this Hall of Fame trainer represent different ownership groups.
Imperial Honor demonstrated exceptional ability in his first start on September 7 at Del Mar, winning by a 5 ¼-length margin over 5 ½ furlongs while leading from the front. By Honor A.P., Imperial Honor was a $725,000 purchase at the OBS April sale of 2-year-olds in training by owners Mike Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman. Hall of Famer Joel Rosario will ride him.
Domus, by Uncle Mo, won his career debut at Del Mar in July before finishing fourth in the Del Mar Futurity. Bred and campaigned by Baoma Corp., Domus will be ridden for the first time by Kazushi Kimura.
Emancipate, a homebred for Cicero Farm and also by the late Uncle Mo, broke his maiden in his sophomore start on August 29, covering six furlongs at Del Mar. Veteran jockey Mike Smith will take the reins for the first time.
The American Pharoah Stakes is an official stop on the Road to the 2026 Kentucky Derby, awarding qualifying points toward the prestigious race.
The Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes – Jockeys & Weights by Post Position:
- Dang Son — Emisael Jaramillo — 122 lbs
- Hughes — Juan Hernandez — 122 lbs
- Net Par — Victor Espinoza — 122 lbs
- Imperial Honor — Joel Rosario — 122 lbs
- Emancipate — Mike Smith — 122 lbs
- Domus — Kazushi Kimura — 122 lbs
The first post on Saturday is set for 1 p.m. PT.
This report was originally published by Paulick Report on September 28, 2026, and appeared in their News section. Add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Fan Take:
This race marks a critical step for young stars like Hughes, as it tests their ability to handle more demanding distances, a key factor on the road to the Kentucky Derby. Fans should watch closely, as performances here could reveal the next breakout champion poised to shape the future of Thoroughbred racing.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
