Monarch of Egypt is set to become the first runner for 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah when he steps out in Saturday's first race at Naas over five furlongs.
Bred in Kentucky by RanJan Racing, the Mar. 31 foal is a son of Up (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), a two-time winner at group level in Ireland and runner-up in the 2012 G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (French 1000 Guineas). Up is a half-sister to G1 Middle Park S. and G1 Darley Prix Morny hero Dutch Art (GB) (Medicean {GB}).
Owned in partnership by Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith and racing in Brant's silks Saturday, Monarch of Egypt was consigned to last year's Keeneland September sale by Lane's End, agent, and realized a final bid of $750,000 from Brant and Coolmore's M. V. Magnier.
Also down to debut in the same event is Flaxman Stables Ireland's homebred In The Present, from the first crop of Gainesway's GI Breeders' Cup Mile hero Karakontie (Jpn) (Bernstein).
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