Photo:

Candice Chavez / Eclipse Sportswire

Maiden winner East Avenue upset even-money favorite Ferocious in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity on Saturday at Keeneland and earned a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile along with 10 qualifying points for Kentucky Derby 2025.

It was the second win in the Breeders’ Futurity for Brendan Walsh, who won with Maxfield in 2019.

Ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, East Avenue led at every call and had a five-length margin coming out of the turn. Ferocious, who threw jockey Luis Saez in the gate and had to be reloaded, moved into second late in the final turn.

But East Avenue, at 5-2, widened his lead in the stretch and won the 1 1/16-mile race in 1:43.17.

East Avenue paid $7.56, $3.72 and $3.36. Ferocious paid $2.88 and $2.56, and third-place finisher Filoso, who went off at 29-1, paid $8.02 to show.

It was the second start for the Godolphin homebred sired by Medaglia d’Oro. He led at every call to win his debut at Ellis Park by eight lengths.