Chasing Dream Racing 2008 LLC’s Noble’s Promise threw in a dazzling
work on Tuesday for trainer Ken McPeek as he completed five furlongs
over a fast track in :59.80. But McPeek was still unwilling to fully
commit to a run in the Kentucky Derby by the 3-year-old son of Cuvee,
who is coming off a troubled fifth-place finish in the $1 million
Arkansas Derby (GI) at Oaklawn Park and a treatment for a lung
infection that was discovered after that race.
Noble’s Promise zipped five furlongs over a fast track in :59.80 in
the company of stablemate Beautician, a 3-year-old filly who is being
pointed toward a run in the Kentucky Oaks (GI) at Churchill Downs on
Friday, April 30. The colt was reunited with jockey Willie Martinez,
his rider last fall in a victory in the Breeders’ Futurity (GI) on
synthetic Polytrack at Keeneland, as he covered the distance in
fractional times of :11.80, :23.20, :35 and :47.20 and galloped out six
furlongs in 1:13.40. Noble’s Promise drew off from his workmate in the
stretch as Beautician was timed in :1:00.40 for work.
McPeek was happy with the work – which was fastest at the
distance – was almost too fast for his liking. But he said the chances
that Noble’s Promise would compete in Kentucky Derby 136 were better
than his odds a week ago.
“I’d would say he’s 60-40 – last week I said he was 50-50,” McPeek
said. “He just worked so dynamic. He looked so good, but we’ve still
got some issues that we need to work through and need to make sure
they’re behind us before we commit to going.”
McPeek said that Martinez would be in the saddle aboard Noble’s
Promise if the colt makes the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May. 1.
"Willie is two-for-three on him and we’ve got good energy with
Willie,” said McPeek. “I think Willie can get it done. He’s been, I
think, a good journeyman rider for a long time. I could probably use a
bigger name rider, but they won’t be nearly as passionate as Willie is
about this house.”