Jawani Forbes, an apprentice seldom in the spotlight, guided Pharoah It Is to a 13-1 triumph in Saturday's Steven Smith (Champion groom for 2023) event on February 24, 2024.
The Donovan Russell-trained contender found success in a three-year-old and older Optional Claiming ($400,000-$300,000) that also featured native-bred and imported horses with limited wins.
Forbes propelled Pharoah It Is into an early lead right from the release of the starting gates. The seven-year-old bay gelding maintained a commanding presence throughout, leading the pack which included the likes of Big Argument (Paul Francis), Drone Strike (Dane Dawkins), and Three Card Guy (Shamaree Muir).
As they rounded the half-mile mark, Pharoah It Is was the pacesetter, setting a brisk pace coming coming into the home stretch. Under Forbes' constant encouragement, Pharoah It Is crossed the finish line with a comfortable margin of one and a quarter lengths ahead of the competition.
Drone Strike managed to secure the second spot, leaving Big Argument to settle for third.
Pharoah It Is win was accomplished in a final time of 1:17.1, a swift testament to the winning horse and rider's synchrony and the day's thrilling upset.
