DEL MAR — There are purple signs and banners all over this small seaside village and its racetrack, which can mean only one thing: The Breeders’ Cup is back in town.

Fourteen “world championship” races involving more than 160 horses will be run over the next two days for $30 million in purse money. The most lucrative day is Saturday, with nine races — including the $7 million Classic, the richest race run in North America. Before that comes what the Breeders’ Cup calls “Future Stars Friday” — five races, all for 2-year-olds.

The most anticipated of those races, as it is most years, is the $2 million Juvenile, which usually produces the 2-year-old champion as well as the early favorite for the following spring’s Kentucky Derby (even though in 40 years only Street Sense and Nyquist have completed the Juvenile-Derby double).

Barring a major surprise, that likely will be the case with this year’s race, which shapes up as a strong one. There are five unbeaten horses, and several other contenders in the field of 10.

“It’s a deep field,” said trainer Chad Brown, who won the first Juvenile contested at Del Mar with Good Magic in 2017 and will saddle second choice Chancer McPatrick (3-1) on Friday. “There’s probably about six horses that no one would be surprised if one of them won.”

Atop that list is morning-line favorite East Avenue (5-2), who not only has been impressive in winning his first two starts by a total of 13¼ lengths but also has wowed clockers and handicappers and even fellow trainers with his appearance this week.

“He’s had a great week since he came out here. He’s been doing very well, so we’re very happy with him and just looking forward to tomorrow,” trainer Brendan Walsh said Thursday after the son of Medaglia d’Oro completed his morning exercise.

Perhaps the only complication for East Avenue could be his post position. The colt has speed, but he’ll have to use it at the beginning of the race to avoid being trapped, and that brings into play the danger of a speed duel. Either could compromise his chances.

Walsh said he just wants a clean start and then he’ll trust jockey Tyler Gaffalione to either set the pace or take back if needed. Even though East Avenue hasn’t trailed in either of his starts, Walsh said if other horses “want to go crazy, he can sit off them. It won’t be a problem for him.”