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Noble's Promise a prompt favorite in the Aristides

Noble's Promise enhanced his Breeders' Cup Sprint credentials by winning the course-and-distance Aristides (Churchill Downs/Reed Palmer Photography) The dollars came in early and often on Chasing Dreams Racing 2008's NOBLE'S PROMISE (Cuvee) throughout the wagering on Saturday's $110,300 Aristides S. (G3) at Churchill Downs. Dispatched as the 8-5 choice in a tough cast, the bay colt both lived up to the hype while giving trainer Kenny McPeek his second graded stakes winner on the card after stablemate Salty Strike (Smart Strike) took the Dogwood S. (G3) the race prior. Running down Atta Boy Roy (Tribunal), who had contributed to the hot pace of the Aristides, Noble's Promise drew off to win by a length in a time of 1:08 3/5 for six furlongs on a fast track. He paid $5.20, $3.60 and $2.40. After showing some reluctance to enter the starting gate, Noble's Promise could not have asked for a better trip down the backside. Tracking in fourth as Cash Refund (Petionville) and Atta Boy Roy duked it out through an opening quarter in :21 2/5, Noble's Promise advanced to second behind Atta Boy Roy after that one dispensed with Cash Refund around the far turn. Atta Boy Roy was up a length through a half in :44 2/5, but the margin steadily diminished through the stretch run as Noble's Promise had much more left in the tank. No one else from the back was able to benefit from the fast splits, and Noble's Promise went on to score comfortably under Alan Garcia.

Atta Boy Roy, at 13-1, held second by 1 1/2 lengths over 2-1 second choice Capt. Candyman Can (Candy Ride [Arg]), who had three lengths on Good Lord (Greatness). Defending Aristides winner Riley Tucker was next under the wire and was followed by Here Comes Ben (Street Cry [Ire]), Hurricane Ike (Graeme Hall) and Cash Refund.

One of the top juveniles of 2009, Noble's Promise won the Breeders' Futurity (G1) and Fitz Dixon Jr. Memorial Juvenile S. and placed in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) and CashCall Futurity (G1). Runner-up in the Rebel S. (G2) in his sophomore debut, he next ran fifth in the Arkansas Derby (G1), Kentucky Derby (G1) and St James's Palace S. (Eng-G1). Following a win in the Jimmy V. S. on Breeders' Cup weekend at Churchill, Noble's Promise ran fifth in both the Malibu S. (G1) and Churchill Downs S. (G2). He's now racing's newest millionaire with a mark of 14-5-3-1, $1,027,774.

Noble's Promise is the last registered foal out of the Clever Trick mare The Devil's Trick, who is a half-sister to Grade 2 victress New Economy (Red Ransom). His third dam is Far Beyond (Nijinsky II), who produced stakes-placed Battle Creek Girl (His Majesty) and Grade 3 winner Wings of Grace (Key to the Mint). The latter mare is best known as the dam of champion turf mare Soaring Softly (Kris S.) and Grade 1 queen Plenty of Grace (Roberto).

Battle Creek Girl has also proven herself in the breeding shed, foaling the likes of Canadian champion Wavering Girl (Wavering Monarch), the dam of Grade 1 king Military (Danzig); Grade 2 winners Tricky Creek (Clever Trick), Parade Leader (Kingmambo) and Speed Dialer (Phone Trick); and Grade 2 victor Parade Ground (Kingmambo), who was third in the Canadian International (Can-G1).

Others of note in this family include Grade 2 victors Diabolical (Artax) and Duality (Seeking the Gold).

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