Horse Racing Odds: Breeders’ Futurity

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Horse Racing Odds

Top Contenders for the 2024 Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland

On October 5, all eyes will be on Ferocious as he attempts his first two-turn race in the Keeneland Breeders’ Futurity (G1). 

The race, part of the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series, offers a paid automatic entry into the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Del Mar. With a purse of $600,000, the Breeders’ Futurity provides an ideal setup for young horses aiming to build experience ahead of the Breeders’ Cup, as it covers the same 1 1/16-mile distance.

Ferocious, a Saratoga betting veteran who has already shown promise, will be a top contender. After a debut win by 7 3/4 lengths at Saratoga in August, he stretched out to seven furlongs in the Hopeful Stakes (G1), finishing second behind Chancer McPatrick. 

Jockey’s Determination

Despite losing focus during the stretch and dropping his front shoe, Ferocious fought back and finished just half a length behind the winner. Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., who rode him in the Hopeful, praised the horse’s determination despite the defeat.

Offtrack betting fans should pay attention to Ferocious, who has been training well at Saratoga before arriving at Keeneland. He will now be ridden by Luis Saez, who is taking over from Javier Castellano, who is recovering from an injury. 

Trainer Gustavo Delgado, who also led Mage to victory in the 2023 Kentucky Derby, is confident in Ferocious’s ability to perform well in this two-turn test, which he sees as a key learning experience for the young horse. 

Breeders’ Futurity Field: A Test of Young Talent

The field of 11 for the Breeders’ Futurity brings together promising 2-year-olds looking to make a name for themselves. Among them is Tenacious Leader, trained by four-time Breeders’ Futurity winner Todd Pletcher. 

This versatile colt finished a close second in the With Anticipation Stakes (G3T) at Saratoga and has shown he can perform well on dirt and turf. Florent Geroux takes the reins for Pletcher, who has won this race the past two years and will aim for a third consecutive victory.

Other Entries

Other notable entries include Handsome Pants, who impressed with a debut win at Churchill Downs in mid-September, and East Avenue, who won his only race by eight lengths at Ellis Park. Dapper Moon is another contender to watch after a dominant five-length win at Saratoga in late August.

Horse racing odds favor Ferocious, given his solid performances and training under Delgado. However, the Breeders’ Futurity is known for producing future stars, and the competition will be fierce. Keep an eye on Tenacious Leader, as Pletcher’s recent track record in this race suggests he knows how to get the best out of his juveniles.