HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Virginia Derby winner American Promise had a major work Friday morning at his Oaklawn Park base as he continues preparations for the Kentucky Derby.
Trainer D. Wayne Lukas said last week the horse would have his final work at Churchill Downs.
American Promise on Friday worked seven furlongs from the gate in 1:25.20. The track was fast on a sunny morning with temperatures in the high 60s. American Promise worked in the first set after the renovation break, about 9:10 a.m. Central.
American Promise warmed up ahead of his drill and loaded into the gate with stablemate Bon Temps. The pair broke, and Oaklawn clockers timed American Promise through an opening quarter in 22 seconds, a half-mile in 45.80 seconds, five-eighths in 57.80 seconds, and six furlongs in 1:11. American Promise worked past the wire to complete his drill.
American Promise was situated outside of Bon Temps, began to move clear of him midway on the turn, and went on as Bon Temps completed his five-furlong work in 59.60. The time was provided by the track clockers.
American Promise won the Virginia Derby by more than seven lengths on March 15 at Colonial Downs. Friday’s work was his fourth since the race, with his three other drills coming at five furlongs. He went in 59.80 on March 25, in 59.20 on April 1, and 59.40 on April 9.
Lukas was to have stakes starters Saturday at Oaklawn and said last week that the plan was to ship to Kentucky following those races. He has a stable at Churchill, where he has won four runnings of the Kentucky Derby.
Lukas said Nik Juarez has the mount in the Kentucky Derby.
American Promise is a May foal by Justify who races for BC Stables. He won a maiden race earlier in the meet at Oaklawn before taking the Virginia Derby.
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