Kentucky Derby Contender Profile: East Avenue

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Kentucky Derby Contender Profile

East Avenue Brings Front-Running Speed to Churchill Downs

Horse Racing Betting enthusiasts are always on the lookout for a value play in the Kentucky Derby, and East Avenue fits that profile in 2025. With longshot Kentucky Derby odds and a front-running style, this colt offers intrigue for bettors looking to break away from the favorites. 

For those analyzing Kentucky Derby betting angles, East Avenue’s potential to dictate the early pace adds another layer of strategy.

Trained by Brendan Walsh and ridden by Manny Franco, East Avenue enters the 151st Kentucky Derby with a record of 2 wins and 1 second-place finish from 5 starts, earning $654,395 in his young career. A bullet work at Churchill Downs in :47.60 shows he’s sharp and ready for the challenge on May 3.

Pedigree Built for Speed and Distance

East Avenue is a son of Medaglia d’Oro, who ran in all three legs of the 2002 Triple Crown, including a runner-up finish in the Belmont Stakes. The versatile stallion has sired multiple champions such as Rachel Alexandra and Wonder Gadot, both known for their stamina and grit.

On the dam side, East Avenue’s mother, Dance Music, is an unraced daughter of Ghostzapper, the 2004 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner and Horse of the Year. The combination of proven distance ability and elite-level racing bloodlines gives East Avenue a foundation to compete at a mile and a quarter.

Early Success and Recent Redemption

East Avenue began his career with two straight wins, including a dominant performance in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland last October. He went gate-to-wire, winning by 5 1/4 lengths.

The road became bumpier after that. A poor start led to a ninth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, and he followed that with a 10th-place effort in the Risen Star Stakes (G2). But he bounced back in a big way in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1), nearly stealing the race before getting caught by Burnham Square in the final strides.

Kentucky Derby Betting Outlook

East Avenue is expected to be one of the early pacesetters in the Kentucky Derby. His preferred style is to break sharply and get to the front, which could work to his advantage if he secures a clean trip. However, his reliance on the lead and fade in the Blue Grass raises some questions about stamina in a 20-horse field going 1 1/4 miles.

Currently listed at +2000 in Derby Futures, East Avenue is well outside the top tier in Kentucky Derby odds. That’s a sharp increase from his earlier +1000 pricing, suggesting that bettors may be hesitant about his ability to finish strong. Still, his recent work and connections make him an interesting longshot for exactas and trifectas.

For full Derby odds, Kentucky Derby Betting picks, and real-time wagering, make sure to visit our racebook today.