East Avenue romps in Breeders' Futurity for Godolphin

Oct 05, 2024 Vance Hanson/Brisnet.com

The world-renowned Godolphin stable struck gold again in the $594,063 Breeders' Futurity (G1) at Keeneland on Saturday, when East Avenue made all in the 1 1/16-mile event for two-year-olds that is part of the 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby series.

Sent off as the second choice in the field of 11, East Avenue encountered no pressure for the lead and maintained a one- to two-length advantage through the opening six furlongs. East Avenue's fractions were :23.18, :46.76, and 1:11.20.

East Avenue, under Tyler Gaffalione, began to open up on his rivals approaching the turn for home, and from that point thoroughly dominated the race. He crossed the wire 5 1/4 lengths ahead of Ferocious, who was favored at approximately even-money.

A claim of foul by the rider of Ferocious against the winner for alleged interference entering the first turn was disallowed by Keeneland stewards.

Trained by Brendan Walsh, East Avenue covered 1 1/16 miles over a fast track in 1:43.17 and paid $7.56 to win.

East Avenue was much the best and picks up 10 #KentuckyDerby points in the G1 Breeders' Futurity! 🏆🌹 @Tyler_Gaff @brenpwalsh @godolphin

🎥#TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/p53htmMtbs

— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) October 5, 2024

'I've been lucky enough to have a couple of very good horses the last few years, especially with Godolphin, and he seemed like he was right up there. I was just waiting for confirmation. I think he's a very special horse,' Walsh said.

Ferocious finished 4 1/4 lengths clear of Filoso, who had one length on Dapper Moon. The order of finish was rounded out by Mesero, Tenacious Leader, Big Boat, Handsome Pants, Saratoga Cruiser, and Ready for Peace. Optical was pulled up and walked off.

East Avenue earned 10 qualifying points toward the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1). Ferocious earned five points, Filoso three points, Dapper Moon two points, and Mesero one point.

This was the third Breeders' Futurity win for Godolphin in the last six years. The Walsh-trained Maxfield won the race in 2019, while Essential Quality captured the 2020 Futurity for trainer Brad Cox.

It is expected East Avenue will next compete in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) at Del Mar in early November. Maxfield was scratched ahead of the 2019 juvenile, while Essential Quality won the 2020 edition.

East Avenue is now 2-for-2, having won at first asking by eight lengths in a six-furlong maiden at Ellis Park on Aug. 24.

The Kentucky-bred East Avenue is by Medaglia d'Oro and out of Dance Music, a Ghostzapper half-sister to 2023 Horse of the Year Cody's Wish and a full sister to Grade 2 winner Endorsed. All were reared by the Grade 1-winning Dance Card.