Unbeaten two-year-old colt East Avenue has emerged as an early leading contender for the 2025 Kentucky Derby following his latest success in the Grade One Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland.
Congrats to the connections of East Avenue for his 10 point win in the Breeders' Futurity at @keeneland!
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) October 5, 2024
📸: Coady Media pic.twitter.com/3OWSvO60Ur
The victory over 1700 meters showcased the colt’s stamina ahead of the opening US Triple Crown event at Churchill Downs in May. It was just his second career appearance, and it caught the eye of many pundits in the sport.
Step Up in Distance in Louisville Likely to Suit
East Avenue is set to step up in distance again in the Kentucky Derby at the start of next season, and based on his breeding, he should appreciate the longer race. He is now the +1400 favorite in the bet on horse racing market for the 2025 US Triple Crown event.
The Godolphin runner is likely to be among the leading horse racing betting tips for “the most exciting two minutes in sports”. He was able to coast to victory in the Grade One contest at Keeneland, despite making all the running in that race in what was one of the most striking two-year-old performances of the season.
Trainer Brendan Walsh has won some of the biggest races in the world, including the UAE Derby and Al Quoz Sprint, so he knows all about preparing a horse for the big occasion. He will be hoping his latest star can grow further over the winter before he returns to training as a three-year-old in early 2025.
Possible Shot at The US Triple Crown
Justify was the last horse to win the US Triple Crown after he landed the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. Should East Avenue prevail in the Kentucky Derby in 2025, he is likely to be aimed at the next two legs of the US Triple Crown.
Only two horses in the last 45 years have been versatile enough to win the trio of prestigious three-year-old races. American Pharoah managed the impressive feat in 2015 for US Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, while the record-breaking trainer made history again three years later with Justify.
East Avenue’s sire, Medaglia d’Oro finished second in the Belmont Stakes during his racing career. He was beaten by less than a length at Belmont Park, a result which will give Walsh a lot of encouragement about his chances of landing the US Triple Crown.
Challengers To East Avenue at Churchill Downs
Before his focus turns to any other races, the Kentucky Derby will be at the forefront of Walsh’s mind. One of the leading challengers to East Avenue in that race is Chancer McPatrick. Chad Brown’s runner also has a 100% record, which was boosted when he won the Grade One Champagne Stakes at Belmont At The Big A.
Next stop, the @BreedersCup Juvenile!
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 5, 2024
Chancer McPatrick breezes past the majority of the field before chasing down Tip Top Thomas to clinch the Champagne Stakes! #WinAndYoureIn pic.twitter.com/10SQDx9oUT
Chancer McPatrick was at the rear of the field turning for home in his Grade One success but showed an impressive turn of foot in the home straight to reel in the leaders and score by just under three lengths. The 2025 Kentucky Derby takes place on May 3 and it will be the 151st edition in history.
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