Kretz Racing’s American Theorem swopped past rivals in the 77th edition of the Bing Crosby S. (G1) at Del Mar on Saturday, July 30, and finished fastest of all to outrun eight rivals en route to earning a berth in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1).
Ridden by Joe Bravo for trainer George Papaprodromou, the gray son of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah stalked the early pace from sixth early in the six-furlong fixture. Following a five-wide move around the far turn, American Theorem took over past the quarter pole. He lengthened his advantage to three lengths in the stretch and held at bay a late rally from Get Her Number to win by 1 ½ lengths at the finish, stopping the clock in 1:08.67.
“He just wanted to run,” said Joe Bravo. “That’s why I went. He was real comfortable on the backside, moving easy. And then when we came to the turn, I didn’t think I wanted to go six-wide. But he just had his momentum up and we just kept on going.”
Trainer George Papaprodromou said of his charge’s trip, “The race turned out the way we planned, and we made one run. We knew with the post we would have to go a little wide, but it worked out perfect.”
With the $240,000 winner’s share of the purse, American Theorem increased his career earnings to $531,967 and improved his record to 12-4-3-0. The ridgling had captured Santa Anita’s Triple Bend S. (G2) in his prior start on May 29. Since the Bing Crosby is a “Win and You’re In, American Theorem secured his place in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint, which will be held at Keeneland in November.
Bred in Kentucky by Sierra Farm, American Theorem is produced from the Maria’s Mon mare Mighty Renee. He was a $190,000 acquisition from the 2018 Keeneland September Sale.