June 25, 2022 - Churchill Downs, Race 2, Msw, USD $120,000, 5F
Summer Promise, F, 2, 2020 by Uncle Mo
1st Dam: Dream of Summer (GISW, $1,191,1150), by Siberian Summer
2nd Dam: Mary's Dream, by Skywalker
3rd Dam: Proper Mary, by Properantes
Owner: BC Stables, LLC
Breeder: James C Weigel (KY)
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
It looks like legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who won the GI Kentucky Oaks this year with Secret Oath (Arrogate), may have another star filly in the making in his barn. The Hall of Famer saddled well-bred juvenile filly Summer Promise (Uncle Mo) to an impressive debut win at Churchill Downs Saturday.
Dispatched as the second choice at 3-1, the $500,000 KEESEP was away well from her rail draw and seized the early advantage as heavy favorite Key of Life (Mo Town) missed the break, trailing the field early. Summer Promise coasted through a :22.95 first quarter with a 28-1shot Danse Macabre (Army Mule) sitting on her flank. Turning for home full of run, the bay rolled home to an effortless five-length victory. Danse Macabre held second and Key of Life rallied for third.
Summer Promise is the 11th 'TDN Rising Star' for her sire Uncle Mo. Her blue hen dam Dream of Summer captured the GI Apple Blossom H. and made nearly $1.2 million before proving to be just as talented in the breeding shed. She is the dam of Grade I-winning sire Creative Cause (Giant's Causeway); Grade I winner Vexatious (Giant's Causeway); and MGSW & GISP stallion Destin (Giant's Causeway).