Burnham Square qualified for Kentucky Derby dramatically on Tuesday with an exciting stretch driving to claim Blue Grass Stakes in Keeneland in Lexington, KY.
The winner of Holy Bull Stakes in Florida’s Gulfstream Park two months ago was the last among the field at seven on the way into the last turn. Jockey Brian Fernandez, however, led the 3-year-old whaling towards the middle of the track. They also had to turn even more to the right into the final stretch to avoid the Thames as they chased down the field and beat East Avenue, which had dictated the pace during the 1/8 mile race, with a head in a photo finish. The end time was 1: 51.33.
Trained by Ian Wilkes, Burnham Square went 4-1 and paid $ 10.48 to win, $ 5.18 to place and $ 3.34 to show. East Avenue paid $ 6.42 and $ 4.26, with River Thames who paid $ 3.24 for finishing third.
Burnham Square needed to finish first or second to ensure that he qualified for May 4 for the roses. With the 100 points earned for the victory, the horse now chooses to the top of the score at 130.
East Avenue, trained by Brenden Walsh, now has 60 thanks to the 50 points awarded second place and is bound for 12th place in the position with the publisher. River Thames is in a four -way tie for the 14th with 50 points after getting 25 on Tuesday.
The 18 best eligible American horses with points will earn an entry into 1/4-miles Derby, with slots that also exist for 3-year-olds from Europe and Japan.
The blue grass, which was pushed back from Saturday due to bad weather, was the last big Kentucky Derby Prep race. The last competition point is Saturday’s Lexington efforts on Keeneland, with 20 points that go to the winner.
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