American Promise, who was bred by Candy Meadows LLC, drew post five in the 20-horse field that will contest the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1) May 3rd at Churchill Downs.
The 3-year-old colt, a son of 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify, is trained by Hall of Famer and four-time Kentucky Derby winner D. Wayne Lukas and is owned by BC Stables LLC, who purchased the chestnut for $750,000 out of the 2023 Keeneland September sale.
American Promise earned his shot at the Run for the Roses with a brilliant effort in the March 15th Virginia Derby, a race he won by nearly eight lengths over fellow Kentucky Derby entrant Render Judgment. He earned a 95 Beyer Speed Figure that day, one of the higher numbers of any horse in the Derby field.
Post position five has been the most productive one in terms of Derby winners. Since the starting gate was implemented some 95 years ago, it has produced 10 winners and 22 top-three finishes.
American Promise arrived at Churchill Downs a couple of weeks ago and has turned in one recorded breeze, going five furlongs in :59 2/5 over a sloppy track on April 26. On Saturday, he’ll be ridden by Nik Juarez, who was aboard in Virginia.
Post time for the Derby, race 12, is 6:57 pm ET.
