In the wake of significant races, several promising thoroughbreds have resumed their training regimens with timed works at various tracks. Notably, East Avenue, a Godolphin homebred colt, has been making strides following his ninth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Meanwhile, other contenders like Built and He’s Not Joking are also preparing diligently for upcoming challenges. The Las Vegas futures market reflects growing interest in these horses, with odds adjusting to reflect recent performances.

East Avenue's Strategic Comeback Plan

Following a challenging performance in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, East Avenue is back on track with focused training sessions. Trainer Brendan Walsh aims to bring the horse back to peak form after a stumble at the gate that derailed his previous race. Despite the setback, the colt remains a formidable contender, having previously won the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity. His current odds for the Kentucky Derby stand at 28-1, indicating cautious optimism from bettors.

East Avenue breezed four furlongs in 49.2 seconds at Fair Grounds, marking his second workout since the Breeders’ Cup. This time was the 15th fastest among 116 horses working the same distance. The colt’s earlier debut in August showcased his potential, leading wire-to-wire in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity. However, his stumble at the gate in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile significantly impacted his performance. Trainer Walsh is now focusing on refining East Avenue’s start technique to ensure he can compete effectively in future races. The team is confident that with continued improvement, East Avenue can regain his winning form and challenge for top honors in the upcoming season.

Other Contenders Gear Up for Key Races

Beyond East Avenue, several other notable horses are also ramping up their preparations. Built, trained by Wayne Catalano, worked five furlongs in 1:02.4 at Fair Grounds, demonstrating solid speed as he builds momentum after winning the Gun Runner stakes. Similarly, He’s Not Joking, under trainer Josie Carroll, posted an impressive time of 1:02.3 for five furlongs at Palm Meadows. These workouts signal that both horses are readying themselves for critical races ahead.

Additional horses like Burning Glory, Caldera, and Innovator are also making significant progress. Burning Glory, trained by Bill Mott, clocked a time of 50.2 seconds for four furlongs at Payson Park, while Caldera, under D. Wayne Lukas, covered five furlongs in 1:00.0 at Oaklawn. Innovator, also trained by Lukas, set the fastest time of 59.6 seconds for five furlongs at Oaklawn. Each of these horses is showcasing strong performances in their workouts, indicating they are well-prepared for the competitive racing season. The trainers and owners are optimistic about their prospects, with many eyeing prestigious events like the Kentucky Derby as key targets. As the horses continue their rigorous training, all eyes will be on how they perform in the coming months, setting the stage for an exciting racing season.