Promises Fulfilled Flew in the G3 Amsterdam

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY –  Promises Fulfilled never ran out of gas and cruised to victory in Saturday’s Grade 3, $200,000 Amsterdam Stakes at Saratoga. The son of Shackleford picked up his second win of 2018 and made a name for himself as a three-year-old sprinter to keep an eye on.

The six-horse field broke well from the gate but it was quickly apparent that both Strike Power and Promises Fulfilled wanted the lead as they set a blazing :21.28 first fraction. Promises Fulfilled eventually gave up the lead, sitting just off the leader, with Old Time Revival and the even-money post time favorite Engaged not far behind. Into the second turn, Promises Fulfilled was ready for another go at Strike Power as he and jockey Luis Saez pulled up next to the pacesetter. Meanwhile, Engaged started his late move and pulled even with the pair of Strike Power and Promises Fulfilled as they hit the top of the stretch.  The fast pace got the best of Strike power who quickly faded to the rear but Promises Fulfilled had plenty left in the tank as he cruised to a comfortable three length win over Engaged. Barry Lee got up for in front of Strike Power in a photo for third.

“When I saw the speed, I just stayed there. I took him back at the top of the stretch and make a move and he responded when I asked him,” said Saez. “I really like him. We always tried to send him, but today, we decided to try and do something different and it worked.”

After a disappointing finish in the Kentucky Derby, Promises Fulfilled cut back to the sprint distance and finished third his last time out in the G2 Woody Stephens. His win here today at 6.5 furlongs will make him a threat at the shorter distance moving forward.

Trainer Dale Romans praised Promises Fulfilled after the race saying, “The horse has done so well since Belmont Day that I just didn’t see him losing it, and I’m usually a pessimist, but he’s just changed. He turned a corner. It’s like he’s a man now. I think we’re going to see bigger and better things out of him.”

Promises Fulfilled returned $5.00 to win, $2.80 to place, and $2.40 to show. Engaged brought back $2.40 to place and $2.10 to show, while Barry Lee paid $3.50 to show.

Scratch: World of Trouble