Disco Pharoah passes big test in Whiteley
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Yes, he was favored, but Disco Pharoah still impressed his trainer, Ray Handal, with his solid 3 1/4-length victory in Saturday’s $100,000 Frank Whiteley Stakes at Laurel Park.
Disco Pharoah, coming off a 19 1/2-length maiden win at Aqueduct in March, was taking on a group of older, more-seasoned horses in their backyard. Disco Pharoah, in just his fourth start, vanned down to Maryland the morning of the race.
“It was pretty darn impressive,” Handal said Monday. “It was a lot to ask. We were trying to get in a one-other-than in New York and the race didn’t go. I knew we were taking a swing. He was really impressive - dominant. To ship in the morning of the race and the way he handled a group of old, hard-knocking stakes horses down there makes it more impressive.”
Disco Pharoah, a 4-year-old gelding by American Pharoah, ran seven furlongs in 1:23.64 an earned a 91 Beyer Speed Figure.
Handal mentioned the Grade 3, $150,000 Runhappy Stakes on May 14 at Belmont as a possible next spot. If he feels Disco Pharoah may benefit from another week, he could point to the Grade 3, $150,000 Maryland Sprint Stakes on the May 21 Preakness card at Pimlico.