Desormeaux thinks Next Level will enjoy distance of American Pharoah
Next Level, who cost a mere $20,000 as a yearling last September, finished third in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity on Sunday, a precursor to the colt’s two-turn debut in the Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes at 1 1/16 miles at Santa Anita on Oct. 7.
“I know him physically and the horse is built more for distance,” trainer Keith Desormeaux said on Wednesday. “He wants distance and he’s going to get it.”
A maiden after three starts for Don’t Tell My Wife Stable, Next Level has progressed in longer sprints through the summer from Desormeaux’s perspective. By Vino Rosso, Next Level was last of five in the Fasig-Tipton Futurity at five furlongs at Santa Anita on June 17, and second in a maiden race at six furlongs at Del Mar on Aug. 5.
In the $300,500 Del Mar Futurity at seven furlongs, Next Level closed from fifth in a field of six with a wide rally to finish 4 1/2 lengths behind the undefeated winner Prince of Monaco.
“I think he’s improving,” Desormeaux said.
The $300,000 American Pharoah Stakes is likely to include Prince of Monaco, who is trained by Bob Baffert. The winner receives a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita on Nov. 3.
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