American Apple Polishes off Rivals in G3 Matron

KatieRich Stables’ Kentucky homebred American Apple surprised her rivals with a well-timed off-the-pace victory in Saturday”s Grade 3, $150,000 Matron at the Belmont at Big A fall meet. American Pharoah, a bay daughter of American, won last out in a September 14 maiden special weight sprinting 6 1/2 furlongs at Kentucky Downs.

American Apple won the Matron at the Horseshoe Indianapolis. Jester and Apple Picker were scratched. Leitch won his first start last September. American Apple is a half-sister to multiple graded stakes-winning millionaire Lady Apple. She returned $97 for a $2 win wager and earned $82,500. She has a total purse earnings of $185,700. Larry Doyle of KatieRich Stables said the risk of running AmericanApple in a tough spot paid off. He added that she could contest the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint on November 4 at Keeneland. and the $120,000 Stewart Manor on Nov 5 at Big A.