Preakness Stakes Contender Profile: American Promise

NEWS
May 13, 2025

Preakness Stakes Contender Profile

Can Lukas’ American Promise Bounce Back at Pimlico?

 

Following a rough outing in the Kentucky Derby, American Promise heads to the 150th Preakness Stakes looking for a better trip and a chance to show his true form. The son of Justify showed early speed in the Derby before traffic trouble derailed his chances. 

Still, there’s growing interest in this longshot heading into the second jewel of the Triple Crown. Bettors looking to bet on Preakness sleepers should take a second look at this determined colt. With Preakness Stakes odds listing him at 15-1, he brings value and intrigue to a field with far less depth than the Derby.

 

Preakness Stakes betting often comes down to pace and post, and American Promise could benefit from both. With several early-speed horses from the Derby sitting this one out, trainer D. Wayne Lukas may get just what he needs, a clean break and a clear lead. That’s exactly what helped Lukas’ Seize the Grey go wire-to-wire in last year’s Preakness.

 

Rough Derby, But Not Without Positives

 

American Promise finished 16th in the Kentucky Derby, beaten more than 38 lengths, but the result doesn’t tell the full story. After getting bumped hard at the start, he still recovered to sit just a length off the leaders after six furlongs. Things went south on the far turn, where he was blocked and quickly faded.

“It was a bit of a dogfight,” said jockey Nik Juarez. “I had to make the best trip I could.” Even Lukas admitted things unraveled early: “It all went to hell in a handbasket right out of the gate when Citizen Bull came over.”

But the colt didn’t quit. He showed resilience despite everything going wrong, a trait Lukas believes will serve him well in Baltimore.

 

Legendary Trainer, Local Jockey

 

Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas has captured six Preakness victories in his career, with the most recent coming just a year ago. A win this time would tie him with Bob Baffert for the all-time record.

Nik Juarez will once again take the reins on American Promise. The Baltimore-area native will be riding in the Preakness for the first time, adding local pride to this high-stakes opportunity.

 

Top-Class Bloodlines and Potential

 

With a pedigree built for distance and durability, American Promise brings strong genetic credentials to Pimlico. He’s by Justify, the undefeated 2018 Triple Crown champion, and out of Tapella, a daughter of Tapit, known for producing multiple Belmont Stakes winners and champions like Flightline.

Bred in Kentucky by Candy Meadows LLC and owned by BC Stables, American Promise has a classic pedigree with stamina and heart on both sides.

 

Career Overview and Racing Style

 

This chestnut colt has a record of 2 wins, 1 second, and 1 third from 10 starts with earnings of $444,874. His best career performance came in March when he set the Colonial Downs course record in the Virginia Derby, winning by 7¾ lengths in a dominant front-running display. That type of trip, loose on the lead, is exactly what he’ll try to replicate at Pimlico.

American Promise prefers to press or set the pace, and with a weaker Preakness field and better post position (breaking from post 3), his connections are hoping for a much smoother journey this time.

 

Preakness Stakes Outlook

 

For those planning to take a shot at this year’s race, American Promise is not the worst stab for a few bucks. A smaller field, better trip, and familiar front-running style could make him a threat to shake up the outcome.

For the latest Preakness Stakes odds, betting tips, and expert picks, visit our racebook today and get ready to place your bets on racing’s most exciting middle jewel.

 

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