East Avenue aims to get back on track in G1 Blue Grass Stakes

East Avenue returns to the scene of his biggest victory to date for the G1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, USA, on Tuesday, 8 April.

The nine-furlong feature, one of the late key trials for the Kentucky Derby, has been moved back three days due to a forecast of severe storms in Kentucky over the weekend.

Medaglia d’Oro homebred East Avenue produced a stunning display in the G1 Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland’s Fall Meet as he coasted home after making the running to score by five and a quarter lengths.

Little has gone right for East Avenue in two subsequent appearances, with the Brendan Walsh-trained colt losing all chance in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile following a bad stumble leaving the stalls.

East Avenue enjoyed a much better start on his three-year-old return in the G2 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds in February, when he stalked the pace before fading badly in the straight and only managed to beat one horse home.

Michael Banahan, Director of Bloodstock, Godolphin USA, said: “East Avenue has trained beautifully since the Risen Star. Brendan has looked under every stone and nothing untoward has turned up for his poor performance that day. We are drawing a line through it and looking forward to him redeeming himself in the Bluegrass, where he is going to run in a set of French cup blinkers. He has a nice draw [5] with the other speed inside him.

“Unfortunately, we are without the services of Tyler Gaffalione, so Luan Machado, who won on him in his debut at Ellis Park, will be subbing on Saturday. We are hopeful that he will be able to run a strong race back on the track that he won his G1 last year.”

Think Big bids to maintain his unbeaten record on turf when he steps up to Graded Stakes level for the G2 Shakertown Stakes on the same card.

An easy winner of a dirt maiden at Colonial Downs in July, the Michael Stidham-trained four-year-old has posted two decisive wins on grass at Fair Grounds over the winter, including taking an allowance optional claimer by two and a half lengths.  

Michael Banahan added: “Think Big has done well since we have got him sprinting on the turf with two nice wins at Fair Grounds. He is coming into the G2 Shakertown in excellent shape.
Mike has been very happy with him. It will be a challenge for him as he makes his Graded Stakes debut as he will be facing some pretty accomplished, hardened sprinters.

“He didn’t get any favours with being drawn on the outside of the field. Ben Curtis maintains the partnership which will be a positive. We are hopeful of a good run and that he will prove to be a good fit with these types of sprinters.”