Bullet Work for Noble's Promise

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.”