American Pharoah won the 2015 Triple Crown in America

 PICTURE: Jessie Holmes/EquiSport Photos

Sister to American Pharoah makes debut

LAST SEASON one horse dominated the sport in the US when creating history, as American Pharoah became the first horse in 37 years to win the prestigious Triple Crown. Though now retired, his legacy lives on as sister American Cleopatra makes her debut at Del Mar (23.03 BST) on Sunday.

The juvenile filly is likewise trained by Bob Baffert, and if she has inherited even a modicum of her big brother’s ability then she will be an exciting prospect.

Beaten only twice in 11 starts and an eight-time Grade 1 winner, American Pharoah captured the sporting public’s imagination last year, with pre-race workouts attracting thousands, while he also graced the cover of Vogue after completing the Triple Crown.

American Cleopatra will be the third foal of American Pharoah’s dam Littleprincessemma to race, and she is out of Pioneer of The Nile.

One of American Pharoah’s two defeats came on debut, at Del Mar over six and a half furlongs. American Cleopatra’s racecourse introduction is similar, but she will start off over a furlong shorter in the third race on the card.

She has shown ability in workouts at Santa Anita and Del Mar, and Baffert said: “She’s pretty quick and has got a nice stride. She’s not as big as Pharoah, not as tall. She’s made a little bit differently, but she’s strong.”