Aqueduct Racetrack, October 5, 2024
The 2-year-old horse racing division has seen significant shifts in rankings as top contenders emerge heading into the Breeders’ Cup.
Rising stars like Chancer McPatrick and East Avenue are shaping up to be the horses to watch, with recent performances shaking up the standings. With everything in flux, this year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile promises to be a highly competitive race that could determine the champion.
Let’s take a closer look at how the division is shaping up.
Chancer McPatrick: The Clear Leader
Chancer McPatrick has firmly established himself as the top contender in the 2-year-old male rankings. Undefeated in three starts, including two impressive Grade 1 victories, Chancer McPatrick delivered another stellar performance in the Champagne Stakes.
Known for his come-from-behind running style, he has proven to be a master of timing, finding his way to the front when it matters most. His consistent ability to close strong makes him the horse to beat at the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. With horse racing odds likely to favor him, Chancer McPatrick’s championship chances look promising.
East Avenue’s Impressive Rise
East Avenue is quickly becoming one of the most exciting prospects in the 2-year-old division. His wire-to-wire win in the Breeders’ Futurity showcased his early speed and ability to dominate from the front.
East Avenue’s victory wasn’t just decisive—it also earned him one of the highest speed figures in the division. Although he’s only had two starts, this Medaglia d’Oro colt has shown immense potential.
The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile will present his biggest challenge yet, where he’ll face a much deeper field of competitors. However, if he can maintain his front-running pace, East Avenue could give Chancer McPatrick a run for his money.
Citizen Bull, Jonathan’s Way, and Other Contenders
Citizen Bull is another rising star, having recently won the American Pharoah Stakes at Santa Anita. This son of Into Mischief is now 2-for-3 in his career and continues to show tactical versatility.
His ability to win from different positions on the track makes him a legitimate contender. However, with top-tier competition at the Breeders’ Cup, Citizen Bull will need to step up his game to challenge Chancer McPatrick and East Avenue.
Jonathan’s Way, ranked third in the division, is perhaps the most versatile of the top 2-year-olds. He showcased his range by winning the Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs, leading from start to finish.
His ability to adapt to various race dynamics could give him an edge in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, where strategies will vary greatly depending on the pace of the race.
Ferocious, another highly regarded contender, has yet to capture a Grade 1 win, but his consistent performances keep him in the conversation.
Having settled for runner-up finishes in his last two races, Ferocious will need to step up at the Breeders’ Cup if he hopes to remain in the Eclipse Award discussion.
Meanwhile, Gaming, despite being undefeated in two starts, remains somewhat of an unknown quantity after skipping the American Pharoah Stakes.
His impressive maiden win and strong follow-up in the Del Mar Futurity make him a contender, but his absence from key races leaves questions about how he stacks up against the division’s top horses.
Breeders’ Cup Showdown Awaits
With the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile on the horizon, the 2-year-old male division is brimming with talent. Chancer McPatrick, East Avenue, and Citizen Bull have each shown they are capable of securing the top spot, while horses like Jonathan’s Way and Ferocious are still hungry for a defining victory.
The upcoming race will likely reshape the rankings once more and decide who reigns supreme in the division. As always, improvement from one race to the next is crucial for 2-year-olds, and any one of these rising stars could pull off an upset.
