Delaware Oaks, Monmouth Oaks Possible Landing Spots for Promiseher America

May 12, 2023

Promiseher America at Churchill Downs ahead of the Kentucky Oaks (Coady Photography)

NYRA Press Office

ELMONT, N.Y.— Trainer Ray Handal said Hoffman Thoroughbreds and Tom McCrocklin’s Promiseher America, last-of-14 in the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks on May 5 at Churchill Downs, has returned to his Belmont Park stable and will get a breather for the time being with the long-term goal being graded stakes events on the East Coast throughout the summer.

By 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, Promiseher America provided Handal with his first graded stakes win as a trainer when capturing the Grade 3 Gazelle on April 8 at Aqueduct Racetrack at 26-1 odds. She endured a troubled trip in the Kentucky Oaks, where she was bothered by Southlawn to her inside coming into the first turn and was never a factor throughout the rest of the journey.

“It was a rough race. She lost all of her chances in that first turn,” Handal said. “But we’ll live to fight another day. She came back in good shape, happy and healthy.”

While Handal was unsure of the whereabouts of her next start, he did mention the Grade 3, $300,000 Delaware Oaks on July 1 at Delaware Park and the Grade 3, $250,000 Monmouth Oaks on July 29 at Monmouth Park as possible future landing spots.

“She’s back here and I’m going to give her a little letdown after the race and come up with a plan,” Handal said.

Bred in Kentucky by Robert and Lawana Low, Promiseher America is out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Promisedyouheaven, whose dam Hurricane Bernie is a half-sister to dual Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner Mizdirection [2012-13]. She was bought for $75,000 at the 2022 OBS April Sale.

@jonathanstettin  Morning Jonathan, I just read your Piece on its not a Santa Anita thing IT WAS OUTSTANDING. I have been playing horses for 42 yrs since my father 1st brought me to Washington Park. I could not agree with you more. There must be 1 governing board and a commissioner.

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