Undefeated Corniche cruises in American Pharoah S. (G1)

Corniche became Bob Baffert’s 10^th winner of the American Pharoah S. (G1) on Friday at Santa Anita Park when the 2-year-old colt cruised to a 3 ¼-length victory over Pappacap.

The undefeated colt, owned by Speedway Stables, also earned himself a free trip to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1, Nov. 5 at Del Mar) as part of the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” series.

The American Pharoah was Corniche’s first start around two turns following his debut maiden win at 5 ½-furlongs. He went right to the front from his inside post, leading stablemate Rockefeller through moderate early fractions of :23.55 and :47.26. Corniche extended his lead on the final turn, easily fended off Pappacap in the stretch to win handily in 1:44.75 for the 1 1/16-miles on a fast main track.

“You never know until you send them two turns whether they’ll be able handle it or not, and it looked like he handled it pretty well,” Baffert said. “He’s got a great mind so I’m pretty happy about that. Down the backside he was being chased by a really good horse (Rockefeller). It was a really good race all around.”

Corniche, a son of Quality Road who sold for $1.5 million this spring, has earned $222,000 in his two victories.

Baffert got his first of 10 American Pharoah wins with Souvenir Copy in 1997, when the race was called the Norfolk S. The race was named the FrontRunner from 2011-17, and was renamed after that for Baffert’s 2014 winner and 2015 Triple Crown winner and Horse of the Year.