American Pharoah tunes up for Arkansas Derby

American Pharoah, the champion 2-year-old male of 2014, worked five furlongs in 58.60 seconds Sunday at Santa Anita, preparing for the $1 million Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park on April 11.

American Pharoah won his only start this year, the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park on March 14. American Pharoah led throughout the Rebel Stakes at 1 1/16 miles, winning by 6 1/4 lengths. Last September, American Pharoah won consecutive Grade 1 races that clinched his championship – the Del Mar Futurity at seven furlongs and the FrontRunner Stakes at 1 1/16 miles here.

:: ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY: Prep races, point standings, replays

American Pharoah will be favored in the Arkansas Derby and has given Baffert confidence in recent weeks.

“It’s all systems go,” Baffert said.