Godolphin’s homebred East Avenue would not be denied, seizing the lead from the outset and turning back all challengers to capture the Grade 3, $400,000 Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs on Sunday.
The Brendan Walsh trainee, expertly handled by jockey Luis Saez, demonstrated formidable grit in a determined front-running performance.
Breaking sharply from post position seven in the field of four three-year-olds, the son of Medaglia d’Oro went straight to the front, setting comfortable fractions of 24.41 and 47.66 for the opening half-mile over the fast main track.
As the field navigated the far turn after three-quarters in 1:11.38, Coal Battle, under Corey Lanerie, ranged up on the outside to apply pressure. East Avenue, however, refused to yield along the rail. He met the challenge head-on, digging in gamely as the two straightened for the wire.
In the final furlong, East Avenue repelled the bid from Coal Battle and then held off a late-closing Burnham Square, who found a seam along the inside.
Under steady handling from Saez, East Avenue maintained his advantage, crossing the wire a half-length in front, stopping the clock for the 1 1/16-mile journey in 1:42.12.
Burnham Square, ridden by Brian Hernandez, Jr., settled for a hard-fought second, a neck better than Coal Battle in third. Final Gambit completed the order of finish.
The victory marked the first graded stakes triumph for East Avenue, who improved his career record to three wins from six starts. The bay colt entered the Matt Winn off a strong allowance victory at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby day.
“He’s a very game horse,” said trainer Brendan Walsh. “Luis gave him a fantastic ride. He got to the lead, was able to control it, and the horse showed his heart. When those other horses came to him, he just dug back in. It’s great to see him get a graded stakes win for Godolphin. He’s a colt we’ve always liked, and he’s really putting it all together now.”
The win was a popular one, with East Avenue going off as the 1.47-1 favorite and returning $4.94 for a $2 win ticket. The victory pushes his career earnings past the $400,000 mark.
Scratched Horse(s): Chunk of Gold (Stakes Scratch), Gaming (Stakes Scratch), Just a Fair Shake (Stakes Scratch)
Fractional Times: 24.41, 47.66, and 1:11.38
Final Time: 1:42.12
Winning Connections
Winner: East Avenue
Jockey: Luis Saez
Trainer: Brendan Walsh
Owner: Godolphin, LLC
Breeder: Godolphin, LLC
Bloodline: Bay Colt, by Medaglia d’Oro out of Dance Music, by Ghostzapper. Foaled Feb 04, 2022 in Kentucky.
Stallion Info: Medaglia d’Oro stands at Darley, in Lexington, KY, for $75,000 Stands & Nurses.
Payouts
1st – (7) East Avenue – Win: $4.94, Place: $3.00, Show: $2.10
2nd – (5) Burnham Square – Place: $3.36, Show: $2.10
3rd – (6) Coal Battle – Show: $2.10
Exotics: $2.00 Exacta (7-5) Paid: $12.08, $1.00 Daily Double (6-7) Paid: $41.14, $0.50 Pick 3 (6-6-7) Paid: $120.06
Be the first to comment