East Avenue pipped by Burnham Square in G1 Blue Grass Stakes

East Avenue was caught on the line by Burnham Square as he attempted to make virtually all in a thrilling edition of the G1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, USA, on Tuesday, 8 April.

The Medaglia d’Oro colt was making his first Keeneland appearance since storming to victory in October’s G1 Breeders' Futurity and aiming to bounce back from a disappointing effort on his three-year-old return in the G2 Risen Star Stakes.

Given an aggressive ride by Luan Machado, East Avenue was rousted from the stalls and disputed the early running with Owen Almighty before striding on into a three-length lead entering the first turn.

Owen Almighty reduced East Avenue’s advantage to a length as the pack started to close leaving the back before moving up alongside the Brendan Walsh-trained colt a furlong and a half out.

East Avenue rallied bravely and reasserted a clear lead approaching the final half-furlong, only for River Thames and Burnham Square to launch late challenges.

Burnham Square joined East Avenue on the line and prevailed by a nose in a photo-finish, with River Thames three-quarters of a length back in third

Both Burnham Square and River Thames had previously finished behind Godolphin’s other Kentucky Derby contender Sovereignty, coming home fourth and second respectively in the G2 Fountain Of Youth Stakes at the start of March.

Brendan Walsh said: “I loved how East Avenue battled. He looked at the head of the straight like he was going to fold, and he didn’t fold, and I think it’s a good sign for the future. I think he’s a horse that can still improve. It’s nice to see him run a race like that.

“We would have to seriously consider the Kentucky Derby. We’ll go back and talk among ourselves and see what we do, but I loved what I saw today. We’re a little disappointed we didn’t win, but it’s the next best thing – at least he showed up today. He’s the horse we’ve always thought he was.”