NEWS
Noble’s Promise continues rise in Breeders’ Futurity
Posted: Saturday, October 10, 2009 8:32 PM
NOBLE'S PROMISE
PhotosByZ.com/Keeneland
To view the Dixiana Breeders' Futurity,
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by Myra Lewyn
An outsider in the wagering at 12.90-to-1 odds, Noble’s Promise capably handled a big step up in class when he easily held back a determined rally from Aikenite to land the $500,000 Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity (G1) on Saturday at Keeneland Race Course.
Noble’s Promise scored by a half-length in his first start around two turns and covered 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.12 on the synthetic Polytrack surface while earning a place in the starting gate for the Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at the same distance via the Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” series.
The bay colt broke his maiden by 2½ lengths in a 5½-furlong turf race at Ellis Park on September 5 after a layoff of more than more four months and went directly to stakes competition three weeks later, scoring a 3¼-length triumph in the Fitz Dixon Jr. Memorial Juvenile Stakes on September 26 on the synthetic Tapeta Footings surface at Presque Isle Downs. The sixth wagering choice on Saturday, he continued his ascent up the class ladder.
With Willie Martinez at the reins, Noble’s Promise raced in fifth through the opening quarter then moved up to third, a length behind pacesetter Soundman, who clocked a half-mile in :47.73 while pursued by maiden winner No Shenanigans.
No Shenanigans bid for command nearing the far turn as Soundman began to fade. He was challenged midway through the turn by Noble’s Promise, who had moved up four wide . The bay colt shook loose of No Shenanigans, opened a 2½-length advantage in early stretch, and held on to the lead to the finish line.
Aikenite, third in the Three Chimneys Hopeful Stakes (G1) on September 7 at Saratoga Race Course, launched his rally from three furlongs out and closed determinedly but could not get to the winner, who will head to the Breeders’ Cup.
Roman Emperor, sent off at 22.20-to-1 odds, finished another three lengths back in third. Backtalk, the 3.70-to-1 favorite, finished eighth.
Saturday was a banner day at Keeneland Race Course for Noble Promise’s breeders, Charles Kidder and Nancy Cole of Corner Woods Farm. The Lexington-based veterinarians also bred George Strawbridge’s Grade 1 winner Informed Decision, who won the Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes (G2) two races earlier at the Lexington track. Kidder and Cole bred Noble’s Promise along with their son Ben Kidder.
Trained by Ken McPeek for owner Chasing Dreams Racing 2008, Noble’s Promise is the first graded stakes winner for Cuvee, who stands at Gainesway in Lexington. Out of the placed Clever Trick mare The Devil’s Trick, he has three wins and one second in four career starts and earnings of $385,500.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Myra Lewyn is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor
