Purebred Hoffman and Tom McCrocklin’s Promiseher America documented her last serious work in preparation for Class 1, $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks on May 6 at Churchill Downs, while traveling half a mile in 49.77 seconds on the Belmont Park fast track.
The maroon daughter of the 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah was driven by gymnast Fernando Tapara and traveled four long distances outside of stable friend Ribot’s Valentine.
Promiseher America was the third winner of the first one-mile run on February 19 at the Big A before helping coach Ray Handal win the first graded bet by catching the Grade 3 Gazelle on May 8. 4 – finals prepared for the local Oaks – by half length.
Handal, who will be riding for his first Kentucky Oaks contestant, said work goes according to plan.
“Works perfect,” said Handal. “She actually crucified the first eighth in years 12 and three [seconds] and pick it up from there. I gave her a gallop in 1:02 and 1:16. That’s exactly what I want. I was looking for 49, 1:01 and 4 and 1:15 or 16 gallop and she did it perfectly. She did it all in her hands just hovering above the ground. All systems work.”
The Promiseher America will leave New York on Sunday and is expected to arrive at Churchill Downs early Monday morning. Handal added that Jorge Vargas, Jr., taking part in the victory in the Gazelle, will most likely keep the mount for the Oaks.
Bred in Kentucky by Robert and Lawana Low, Promiseher America is not part of the Unbridled’s Song mare Promisedyouheaven, the dam that Hurricane Bernie is half-sister to the 1st grade Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner Mizdirection [2012-13]. She was purchased for $75,000 at the OBS Spring 2022 Sale for 2-year-olds in training.
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