Progressive American Pharoah (USA) colt Mackinnon made it back to back stakes wins when taking out the $200,000 Zuma Beach Stakes (1m) at Santa Anita on Sunday.
A last start winner of the $102,000 Del Mar Juvenile Turf Stakes (1m), the Doug O’Neill trained colt proved much the best in cruising home to win by more than two lengths, his overall record now three wins and a second from five starts.
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“We didn’t get the most ideal trip,” said O’Neill.“He was little green early but Juan (Hernandez) said once we got the first half mile behinds us, he settled nicely. And as you could see, he finished up real well. If he comes out of this in good shape, it’s on to the Breeders’ Cup.”
Mackinnon was a $200,000 purchase at last year's Fasig-Tipton Selected Yearling Showcase and was passed in at Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream this year after breezing a furlong in :10 2/5, but later sold for $285,000 in a private transaction.
Mackinnon is the first winner for stakes-placed Scat Daddy mare Scat Means Go.
American Pharoah recently posted his first Australian stakes-winner when Head of State saluted in the Group III ATC Gloaming Stakes and the Chris Waller trained colt will be well fancied to win the Group I ATC Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) this Saturday.
American Pharoah stands at a fee of $49,500 this spring.
