John’s Promise wins 2nd straight with best ‘E’ mark

John’s Promise turned in the best performance of his nine-race career while winning his second straight under Raul Mena at Delaware Park yesterday.

In his previous try on Aug. 8, the 4-year-old gelding won by 2 1/4 lengths racing 5 1/2 furlongs, and posted an Equibase ‘E’ speed figure of 79. Stretching out to six furlongs yesterday, Mena guided the son of Handsome Mike to victory by 6 1/4 lengths with an “E’ figure of 89, best of his career.

Mena broke John’s Promise out quickly from the No. 2 post and was on the inside, one-half length behind the pace-setter, after a quarter in :22.46. As the half was registering :46.04. Mena shot John’s Promise through on the rail and in the blink of any eye, it was all over. The 3-1 third choice opened up by four in mid-stretch and was under a hand ride nearing the wire, or he would have broken 90 with ease. His final time was 1:11.91 and was worth $9,600, leaving Handsome Mike less than $3,800 away from reaching $800,000 this season.