Kentucky Derby Prep Races News: The Lukas Strategy

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Kentucky Derby Prep Races Odds and News

“Innovator”, “American Promise”, and “Caldera” Eye Key Derby Prep Races

The Kentucky Derby Prep Races continue to shape the path for top contenders, and Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas is making strategic moves for his leading three-year-olds. 

With February prep races offering valuable qualifying points, Lukas has outlined plans for “Innovator”, “American Promise”, and “Caldera” as they aim to secure their spots in the Kentucky Derby starting gate. 

While Kentucky Derby betting continues to fluctuate, Lukas’ horses are gaining attention, with Kentucky Derby odds likely to shift based on their upcoming performances.

“Innovator” Heads to the Rebel Stakes

“Innovator”, a son of 2020 Horse of the Year and Kentucky Derby-winner “Authentic”, is pointed toward the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes on Feb. 22 at Oaklawn Park. The 1 1/16-mile race offers 105 qualifying points (50-25-15-10-5) toward Derby eligibility.

Already battle-tested in graded stakes company, “Innovator” finished fifth in the Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes last September and recently ran third in the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes on Jan. 18. He nearly wired the field in the Lecomte before being caught in the final 100 yards, proving he can handle two turns. 

Lukas noted that the long stretch at Fair Grounds posed a challenge, but he remains confident in “Innovator”’s potential.

Owned by BC Stables, “Innovator” was a $900,000 purchase at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. His maiden-breaking win at Oaklawn in December showcased his speed, and the Rebel Stakes will be his next major test against top competition.

“American Promise” Targets the Risen Star Stakes

While “Innovator” heads to Oaklawn, Lukas has mapped out a different route for “American Promise”, who will run in the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds on Feb. 15. This 1 1/8-mile race also offers 105 Derby qualifying points, making it a pivotal event on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

“American Promise”, a son of Justify, broke his maiden impressively at Oaklawn in December. However, his stakes debut in the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes on Jan. 25 did not go as planned. After finishing sixth, he was disqualified and placed seventh for interference. 

Despite the setback, Lukas remains optimistic about his potential. The added distance in the Risen Star could suit his running style.

“Caldera” Likely for Sunland Park Derby

Another promising Lukas trainee, “Caldera”, is expected to head to New Mexico for the Grade 3 Sunland Park Derby on Feb. 16. The 1 1/16-mile race offers 42 qualifying points (20-10-6-4-2) and provides a unique path toward Derby eligibility.

“Caldera”, a son of Grade 1 winner Liam’s Map, broke his maiden dominantly at Oaklawn on Jan. 17, cruising to a 5 ½-length victory. His Equibase Speed Figures have improved with each start, jumping from 74 and 75 in his first two races to a career-high 96 in his latest effort. 

Purchased for $500,000 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales March Sale, he is owned by MyRacehorse, a syndicate that previously campaigned for the 2023 Preakness winner “Seize the Grey”.

Additional Moves in the Lukas Barn

Lukas has also made adjustments for other three-year-olds in his barn. Bon Temps, who finished fourth in the Smarty Jones Stakes and ninth in the Southwest, will return to maiden competition. The Smarty Jones was Oaklawn’s first Derby qualifying race, and Bon Temps remains winless in four career starts.

Meanwhile, Lukas continues to evaluate his Derby hopefuls for the long term. Oaklawn’s Kentucky Derby qualifying series concludes with the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby on March 29, offering a final opportunity to secure a spot at Churchill Downs.