American Promise Joins NTRA Top 10 After Virginia Derby

An impressive performance by BC Stables' American Promise March 15 in the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs has clinched the colt a spot in the May 3 Kentucky Derby (G1) starting gate and placed him among the top 10 in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top 3-Year-Old Poll. The son of Justify had a breakthrough performance Saturday while prompting quick fractions set by Getaway Car. Taking command on the far turn, he drew off to win by 7 3/4 lengths in a track record time of 1:46.41 for 1 1/8 miles. The D. Wayne Lukas trainee now sits comfortably with 55 qualifying points to the Derby and received a total of 50 points from the media who vote on the weekly NTRA poll, placing him eighth. Two-year-old champion Citizen Bull continues to lead the rankings for an eighth-straight week, receiving 13 first-place votes and sitting just six points ahead of San Felipe Stakes (G2) winner Journalism, who closed as the 5-1 favorite in the Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool that closed March 16. The second leg of the Road to the Kentucky Derby Championship Series begins March 22 with the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at Turfway Park and the Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, both awarding 100 qualifying points to the winner. Defending Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna retained her lead in the Top Thoroughbred Poll for a second consecutive week. See the full Week 8 Rankings