The spotlight is back on legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas as his chestnut colt, American Promise, heads to the 2025 Kentucky Derby-offering a compelling storyline and a shot at rewriting the record books. At 8, Lukas is seeking his fifth Derby win, which would make him the oldest trainer ever to capture the “Run for the Roses”
American Promise arrives at Churchill Downs after a commanding, record-setting victory in the Virginia Derby, where he won by nearly eight lengths and secured his Derby spot with a 95 Beyer Speed Figure Sired by Triple Crown champion Justify, the colt’s pedigree is built for stamina and late development-a trait Lukas believes is peaking at just the right time
Despite being a 30-1 longshot, American Promise’s steady improvement and recent sharp workouts have caught the attention of racing insiders. Jockey Nik Juarez, who guided him to victory at Colonial Downs, will ride in his first Kentucky Derby, adding another layer of intrigue to the team’s underdog story
Lukas, ever the strategist, opted to train American Promise up to the Derby rather than risk another prep race, confident in the colt’s maturity and readiness for the big stage. With a favorable post draw and a trainer who knows how to win at Churchill Downs, American Promise could be poised for a breakout performance when the gates open on Saturday
