For many racing fans, it’s never too early to start thinking about the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve.

The Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity every fall in the heart of the Bluegrass at Keeneland Race Course no doubt sparks thoughts of the next Triple Crown, but it’s important not to get too far ahead of ourselves. The featured 2-year-old race on Fall Stars weekend also is a major steppingstone to another, much sooner marquee race: the $2 million FanDuel Breeders' Cup Juvenile presented by TAA.

The 2024 Breeders’ Futurity drew a field of 11 seeking an expenses-paid berth in this year Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Nov. 1 at Del Mar.

1. Ferocious (8-5 morning-line odds): Followed a runaway debut win with a runner-up finish in the Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes. The fastest 2-year-old in the field on paper turned in a strong workout – the fastest of 11 at the distance – in preparation for this and will be tough if he can handle the additional distance.

JOCKEY: Luis Saez; TRAINER: Gustavo Delgado

2. Saratoga Cruiser (50-1): Overcame a terrible start in his debut to beat seven opponents Aug. 20 at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Not sure the quality of competition he faced that day but given the adversity he overcame, the win probably is better than it looks from a speed-figure perspective.

JOCKEY: Deshawn Parker; TRAINER: Jeff Engler

3. Optical (30-1): Needed four starts to earn his first win and tried sprinting and turf before that victory, but it was worth the wait. He rolled by 14 lengths when leading from start to finish in a one-mile race Sept. 18 at Churchill Downs. Maybe the lightbulb went on or they found his niche. Either way, a repeat performance makes him a contender.

JOCKEY: James Graham; TRAINER: Keith Desormeaux

4. Handsome Pants (10-1): Debut winner at this distance Sept. 14 at Churchill Downs for trainer-jockey tandem that swept the 2023 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve and Longines Kentucky Oaks. Should be moving late.

JOCKEY: Brian Hernandez Jr.; TRAINER: Ken McPeek

East Avenue winning debut. (Coady Media)

5. East Avenue (3-1): Rolled by eight lengths in his career debut Aug. 24 at Ellis Park when setting an uncontested pace. A stellar beginning for a well-bred colt whose dam (mother) is a half-sister to last year’s Horse of the Year, Cody’s Wish. Godolphin homebred could be special.

JOCKEY: Tyler Gaffalione; TRAINER: Brendan Walsh

6. Filoso (12-1): Really improved in second start when stretching out in distance to a mile, overcoming trouble, then pulling away to win by 3 ½ lengths Aug. 29 at Saratoga. Another entrant with a legitimate shot.

JOCKEY: John Velazquez; TRAINER: Chad Summers

7. Mesero (15-1): Half-brother to Grade 1 winner Bleecker Street enters off fourth-place finish in Grade 3 Iroquois Stakes after debut win on muddy track at Ellis Park. Slow starts have not helped and speed figures indicate he might be a cut below the best here.

JOCKEY: Corey Lanerie; TRAINER: Dale Romans

Big Boat's debut win. (Coady Media)

8. Big Boat (20-1): Defeated 10 opponents Sept. 12 at Churchill Downs in a flashy 3 ½-length debut win. Speed figures for first start were not inspiring but have a hunch he’s faster than the numbers indicate. One of several live longshots.

JOCKEY: Cristian Torres; TRAINER: James DiVito

9. Tenacious Leader (8-1): Followed 4 ¾-length romp in off-the-turf, one-mile maiden race with runner-up finish by a neck to Zulu Kingdom on grass in Grade 3 With Anticipation Stakes. If he can run with that rising star, he can run with these … but is this his preferred surface? That’s the key question.

JOCKEY: Florent Geroux; TRAINER: Todd Pletcher

10. Dapper Moon (9-2): Pulled away to five-length runaway in second start after a second-place finish in his debut. A promising colt but post-position draw did him no favors with a short run into the first turn.

JOCKEY: Ricardo Santana Jr.; TRAINER: Dallas Stewart

11. Ready for Peace (30-1): After a win and a third in a stakes race at Kentucky Downs, he tries to switch from turf to dirt from the far outside post in an 11-horse field. Multiple variables working against him.

JOCKEY: Jose Ortiz; TRAINER: Ignacio Correas IV

THE PICK: East Avenue

LIVE LONGSHOTS: Big Boat, Saratoga Cruiser

SUPERFECTA: 5-1-8-2