American Promise is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing stories heading into the 2025 Kentucky Derby. Bred in Kentucky by Candy Meadows LLC, this chestnut colt carries a lineage that screams potential and stamina, being a son of Triple Crown winner Justify and out of Tapella, a Tapit mare. His journey hasn’t been without hurdles, but perseverance and growth have defined his path. After early stumbles, American Promise found his stride, and his recent dominating victory in the Virginia Derby has elevated him into serious contention. With seasoned Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas guiding him, and a budding chemistry with jockey Nik Juarez, American Promise steps into Churchill Downs with growing confidence and critical experience under his belt.

Unlike flashier rivals who caught attention early, American Promise had to earn every bit of its reputation. It took six races to break his maiden, but his steady improvement hinted at deeper potential. His commanding Virginia Derby victory, winning by nearly eight lengths, signaled that the colt had finally matured into a serious threat. American Promise has not only the pedigree but also the temperament to handle the chaotic nature of the Derby, a quality his team believes will serve him well when the starting gates fly open.

Familiarity with Churchill Downs gives him another important edge. He’s already raced four times under the famed Twin Spires, gaining valuable experience on one of the toughest stages in horse racing. As Lukas explained, “He’s maturing and doing so well that I think I can train him without subjecting him to another race.” That trust in his development reflects the calculated patience and classic conditioning that has become Lukas’s trademark over decades of Derby success.

Who owns American Promise?

American Promise is campaigned by BC Stables LLC, operated by John Bellinger and Brian Coelho. Although BC Stables has tasted the Derby atmosphere before, their previous runner, Just Steel, finished a disappointing 17th in 2024. This year, however, offers a fresh opportunity to flip the script.

Bellinger and Coelho have remained committed to American Promise despite their early struggles, recognizing that horses, like athletes, do not always reveal their best immediately. Their commitment reflects a belief in both the horse and the long-term process necessary to build a contender. Being part of his journey from a winless maiden to a legitimate Derby threat gives the owners a deep personal investment in this year’s race.

Their hands-on approach, including attending major workouts and collaborating closely with D. Wayne Lukas, demonstrates that they are not just silent partners. With the Derby just days away, BC Stables’ patience and passion could finally be rewarded in spectacular fashion.

Who is the trainer of American Promise?

American Promise benefits from one of the most legendary trainers in horse racing history, D. Wayne Lukas. With four Kentucky Derby wins to his name, including iconic victories with Winning Colors, Thunder Gulch, Grindstone, and Charismatic, Lukas knows exactly what it takes to prepare a horse for America’s greatest race.

At 89 years old, Lukas remains sharp, competitive, and strategic. His handling of American Promise has reflected patience and confidence. Rather than squeezing in an additional prep race after the Virginia Derby win, Lukas chose to focus on targeted training at Churchill Downs, ensuring the colt stays fresh.

“You never know how that race is going to go. You think it’s going to move him forward, but it isn’t a cinch,” Lukas said, emphasizing his belief that American Promise is peaking at the right time. Under Lukas’ guidance, many late-developing horses have delivered breakout performances when it mattered most. He believes American Promise fits that mold perfectly.

Who is American Promise’s jockey?

American Promise will be ridden by Nik Juarez, a jockey looking to make his Kentucky Derby debut a memorable one. Juarez first teamed up with American Promise during the Virginia Derby, delivering an impressive front-running victory that stamped the colt’s ticket to Churchill Downs.

Juarez’s assertive yet composed riding style is a perfect match for American Promise’s tactical speed. During a recent Churchill Downs workout on a sloppy track, Juarez was pleased with his mount’s response, stating, “Got here last night, ready to work this morning. He was ready to work too and the off track was not a problem.”

Handling pressure is crucial on Derby Day, and Juarez’s calm demeanor will be tested against the best riders in the world. If he can replicate their Virginia Derby chemistry, American Promise could find himself in the thick of contention when it counts.

What are American Promise’s career earnings?

As of April 2025, American Promise has earned $444,874 in career purses from nine starts. His career record stands at two wins, one second-place finish, and one third-place finish. While his earnings don’t place him at the top of this year’s field, they reflect a consistent and steady rise, especially considering his slow start.

Much of his prize money came from two pivotal wins: his maiden victory at Oaklawn Park and his breakout performance in the Virginia Derby. Those results showcased both his ability to handle adversity and his potential for dominance when given favorable conditions.

Considering that Derby Day purses can catapult a horse’s earnings into seven figures overnight, American Promise stands at the edge of possibly redefining his entire career trajectory in a single afternoon.

When and where is American Promise’s next race?

American Promise’s next start is the 151st Kentucky Derby, set for May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs. He ranks 14th on the Derby leaderboard with 55 qualification points, securing a comfortable spot in the 20-horse field.

Having already raced multiple times at Churchill Downs, American Promise enters with an advantage many others lack—experience navigating its unique layout and surface. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas has focused on keeping the colt fresh rather than racing him heavily, a strategy that could pay off in a grueling, 1¼-mile race.

The post-position draw on April 26 will play a critical role in shaping American Promise’s Derby strategy, but no matter where he lines up, his connections believe he’s ready to deliver his best performance yet.

What are American Promise’s racing stats and past performances?

American Promise’s path to the Derby has been a slow but steady progression. Debuting with a sixth-place finish at Saratoga in July 2024, he showed incremental improvement before finally breaking his maiden on December 29 at Oaklawn Park under muddy conditions.

He encountered tougher fields early in 2025, finishing seventh in the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes and fifth in the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes. However, those races toughened him up and set the stage for his standout performance in the Virginia Derby, where he easily dispatched rivals like Render Judgment and Omaha Omaha.

His racing style—staying near the pace early, then gradually asserting dominance—is well-suited for a Kentucky Derby likely to feature a fast early pace. With valuable experience over different surfaces and distances, American Promise brings versatility and battle-tested grit to Churchill Downs.

What is American Promise’s pedigree and bloodline?

Few Derby contenders carry a more tantalizing pedigree than American Promise. He is sired by Justify, the undefeated 2018 Triple Crown winner whose early foals are beginning to live up to high expectations. Justify’s influence suggests natural talent combined with remarkable staying power.

On the dam side, American Promise is out of Tapella, a daughter of the legendary Tapit. Tapit is renowned for siring horses with grit, stamina, and durability—all vital qualities needed for winning the Kentucky Derby’s 1 1/4-mile distance.

With Triple Crown blood from Justify and classic American stamina from Tapit, American Promise is bred to thrive in long, challenging races. If he lives up to his genetic potential, Derby Day could be the launching point for a career that goes far beyond just one race.