American Pioneer looking better and better

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – American Pioneer’s stock has kept rising since his win in a maiden special weight race on the Rebel Stakes card March 19 at Oaklawn. Following the race, he was made eligible for the Triple Crown, and on Saturday, the lone horse to have defeated him – Dazzling Gem – ran third in the Louisiana Derby. Dazzling Gem beat American Pioneer in their debuts Jan. 18.

American Pioneer rallied from off the pace for a 3 3/4-length win at 1 1/16 miles March 19 and is being considered for a start in either the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn or the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland, both on April 16, said trainer Wayne Catalano.

“We thought he ran a big race, a nice race,” Catalano said of American Pioneer, who is owned by Gary and Mary West. “Right now, we’ll let the horse talk to us a little bit. We’ll monitor him, and we’ll make decisions.”

American Pioneer, a son of Awesome Again, earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 88 for the maiden win.

Major League was another recent 3-year-old winner for Catalano, capturing an optional $50,000 claiming sprint in a dogfight Friday at Oaklawn. He won by a head while along the rail to earn a career-high 93 Beyer.

“Very nice horse,” said Catalano.

He said the options for Major League are a pair of 3-year-old stakes at Oaklawn, the $150,000 Bachelor at six furlongs April 15 or the $150,000 Northern Spur at a mile April 16.

Channing Hill was aboard both American Pioneer and Major League.