In his penultimate work for the GI Kentucky Derby, American Promise (Justify) went fast by design for trainer D. Wayne Lukas, and will ship to Kentucky Sunday.
The breeze Friday morning at Oaklawn Park, shortly after the renovation break, was a seven furlong trip from the gate in 1:25.20 under Nik Juarez, who will also have the call in the big race.
According to Oaklawn's lead clocker Jim Hamilton, American Promise rolled through :22 for the opening quarter, :33.60 for three furlongs, a half in :45.80, five furlongs in :57.80, and six in 1:11 in company with seven-race maiden Bon Temps (Bravazo). That workmate dropped back on the turn with his five furlongs credited in :59.60.
Despite the look of it, Lukas says the workout unfolded as planned because he wanted the colt 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.”
Barring any hiccups, the son of the 2017 Triple Crown winner will have his final Kentucky Derby workout at Churchill Downs Apr. 26. With two weeks left before the race, Lukas says he would not trade places with anyone.
“I really feel like he's coming around. He's improving every single day. He's still a 2-year-old [American Promise's actual birthday is May 1] and still growing into that frame. The last two weeks have been the best two weeks he's had here.”
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