‘Run For The Roses’ Points Go To American Promise In Virginia Derby

Wandering Eyes · 2025-03-15T21:30:54Z

Added to the Kentucky Derby Trail for the first time, the Virginia Derby entered a new era over the dirt at Colonial Downs on Saturday and it was American Promise (Justify–Tapella, by Tapit) who deposited 50 points into his 'Run for the Roses' account.

With John Hancock (Constitution) opting to go to the GII Louisiana Derby next week, favoritism lay clearly with 'TDN Rising Star' Getaway Car (Curlin). At the break, both the chalk and the 7-1 second choice hooked up in a duel that lasted through the far turn. At the top of the lane, American Promise shifted into high gear and put away his opponent. The 3-year-old ran up the score and won easily. In the process, the colt set a new track record.

The final running time was 1:46.41.

American Promise dominates in the Virginia Derby at @colonialdowns to pick up 50 points towards the @kentuckyderby! @nikjuarez had the mount for D. Wayne Lukas!

TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/pXV5QHYm14

— TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) March 15, 2025

Saturday, Colonial Downs
VIRGINIA DERBY, $527,500, Colonial Downs, 3-15, 3yo, 1 1/8m, 1:46.41 (NTR), ft.
1–AMERICAN PROMISE, 123, c, 3, by Justify
              1st Dam: Tapella, by Tapit
              2nd Dam: Princess Arabella, by Any Given Saturday
              3rd Dam: Tortuga Lady, by Thunder Gulch
($750,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-BC
Stables LLC; B-Candy Meadows LLC (KY); T-D. Wayne Lukas;
J-Nik Juarez. $300,000. Lifetime Record: 9-2-1-1, $444,874.
*1/2 to Hoosier Philly (Into Mischief), GSW, $974,465.
2–Render Judgment, 123, c, 3, Blame–Barbara Gordon, by
Commissioner. ($310,000 Ylg '23 FTKJUL). O-Baccari Racing
Stable LLC, Dream Walkin Farms, Inc., MJM Racing and
Rocket Ship Racing; B-Green Lantern Stables (KY); T-Kenneth
McPeek. $100,000.
3–Omaha Omaha, 123, c, 3, Audible–England Swings, by
Kitten's Joy. O/B-On Your Left Racing, LLC (VA); T-Michael E.
Gorham. $82,500.
Margins: 7 3/4, 3/4, NK. Odds: 7.40, 21.00, 12.90.
Also Ran: Getaway Car, Studlydoright, Rapture, Authentic Gallop. Scratched: Calling Card, Georgia Magic, John Hancock.