Promiseher America ‘perfect’ in final breeze for G1 Kentucky Oaks
At 1h25, on April 29, 2023 • By NEWSROOM
Hoffman Thoroughbreds and Tom McCrocklin’s Promiseher America recorded her final serious piece of work in preparation for the Grade 1, $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks on May 6 at Churchill Downs, when going a half-mile in 49.77 seconds over a fast Belmont Park training track.
The chestnut daughter of 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah was piloted by exercise rider Fernando Tapara and traveled the four furlongs outside of stablemate Ribot’s Valentine.
Trainer Ray Handal, who will be saddling his first Kentucky Oaks contestant, said the work went according to plan.
“Perfect work,” Handal said. “It was exactly what I wanted. She did it all in-hand just floating over the ground.”
Promiseher America will depart New York on Sunday and is scheduled to arrive at Churchill Downs early Monday morning. Handal added that Jorge Vargas, Jr., aboard for the Gazelle victory, would most likely retain the mount for the Oaks.
