2025.04.18 Oaklawn Racing Updates

Racing Press Release
Compiled by Robert Yates

Friday, April 18, 2025

Really fast.

Breezing in company with stablemate Bon Temps, American Promise covered seven furlongs from the gate in 1:25.20 Friday morning at Oaklawn under Nik Juarez, who is scheduled to ride the chestnut son of 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify in the Kentucky Derby.

American Promise and Bon Temps worked over a fast track just after the surface renovation break for Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas.

According to Oaklawn lead clocker Jim Hamilton, American Promise blazed through fractions of :22 for his opening quarter-mile, :33.60 for 3 furlongs, :45.80 for a half-mile, :57.80 for five furlongs and 1:11 for six furlongs. Bon Temps, a seven-race maiden who competed in two Kentucky Derby qualifying races this year at Oaklawn, began dropping back on the turn and was credited with 5 furlongs in :59.60.

“That’s what I wanted him to do, jump on that other horse,” Lukas said. “From the wire to the seven-eighths (pole), I could tell he wasn’t as interested. That’s a habit – horses pulling up after they work – galloping out.”

Lukas said the workout unfolded as planned because he wanted American Promise on his toes early.

“What I’m trying to do is get him focused on getting into his races quicker because with a 20-horse (Kentucky Derby) field, there’s always a problem,” Lukas said. “Put yourself in a place where you can (avoid trouble). I’m training him a little bit different. He did a half-mile from the gate in :45 seconds. He doesn’t have to do that, but at least he’s got that in mind now. The other horse worked with him just to give him a little interest.”

American Promise, who broke his maiden Dec. 29 at Oaklawn, was working for the fourth time since his blowout victory in the $500,000 Virginia Derby March 15 at Colonial Downs. American Promise secured a spot in the Kentucky Derby with a 7 ¾-length victory under Juarez, setting a track record for 1 1/8 miles (1:46.41).

Lukas said American Promise is scheduled to ship Sunday to Churchill Downs and, barring a hiccup, will likely have his final Kentucky Derby workout there April 26.

“That one will be a lot easier,” Lukas said.

Lukas, 89, trains American Promise for BC Stables (John Bellinger and Brian Coelho). Purchased for $750,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, American Promise has a 2-1-1 record from nine lifetime starts and earnings of $444,874.

Lukas, 15 days before the Kentucky Derby, said he wouldn’t trade places with anybody.

“I really feel like he’s coming around,” Lukas said. “He’s improving every single day. He’s still a 2-year-old (American Promise’s actual birthday is May 1, 2022) and still growing into that frame. The last two weeks have been the best two weeks he’s had here.”

Lukas is a four-time Kentucky Derby winner. Juarez will be making his Kentucky Derby debut aboard American Promise.