Further Ado heads KJC, Explora drawn wide in Golden Rod

If Further Ado is as good as he advertised when graduating third out at Keeneland last month, he'll be tough to beat Saturday in the $400,000 Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs.

Fifth and third in his first two starts sprinting at Saratoga over the summer, Further Ado was nonetheless favored to progress significantly, stretching out to 1 1/16 miles at Keeneland. However, few could have expected Further Ado to perform as he did, winning by 20 lengths and earning a 98 Brisnet Speed rating.

The pace of the Kentucky Jockey Club might be lively enough for Further Ado. Dr. Kapur has flashed speed in both of his starts sprinting, allowance winner Soldier N Diplomat was the pace setter in the Hopeful (G1) on Labor Day, and California invader Cherokee Nation was run down by eventual Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) runner-up Mr. A. P. last out in a Santa Anita maiden.

Universe, perhaps, is the main threat to Further Ado as he attempts a stakes breakthrough after finishing third in the Champagne (G1) and second as the favorite in the Street Sense (G3). His stablemate in the Kenny McPeek barn, Very Connected, finished 2 1/4 lengths adrift of Universe in the Street Sense.

Spice Runner won the one-mile Iroquois (G3) on Sept. 13, but showed little after stumbling at the start of the Breeders' Futurity (G1) won by presumptive champion Ted Noffey.

The Kentucky Jockey Club offers 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) qualifying points of 10-5-3-2-1 to the respective top five finishers.

The $400,000 Golden Rod (G2) for two-year-old fillies has attracted a much larger field of 13, with Explora the one to fear on class.

Trained by Bob Baffert, who won the 1998 Golden Rod with champion Silverbulletday, Explora dominated the Oak Leaf (G2) last month and beat all but Super Corredora in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) when last seen. Explora, though, will have to overcome post 12 in the 1 1/16-mile Golden Rod.

Rivals that might make further progress include Life of Joy, a 2 1/4-length winner over The Grumpy Rabbit in the Rags to Riches S. Letmecountheways, meanwhile, enters off two dominating wins against New York-bred company, including the Maid of the Mist S. over one mile.

Brendan Walsh has entered the promising Baracca and Bella Ballerina, while the Cherie DeVaux-trained Atropa stretches out following a 10-length maiden win at Keeneland.

Kentucky Oaks (G1) qualifying points of 10-5-3-2-1 will be awarded to the top five finishers in the Golden Rod.

Saturday's Stars of Tomorrow II card at Churchill also features a pair of 6 1/2-furlong sprint stakes for juveniles. The $225,000 Ed Brown S. offers an intriguing clash between the Baffert-trained Boyd, who easily won on debut at Del Mar in September, and Bowman Mill S. winner Gallivant. Big Dom, who graduated over Dr. Kapur at Saratoga, could bounce back while cutting back from the 1 1/16-mile Breeders' Futurity.

The $225,000 Fern Creek S. for fillies includes A Fine Chardonnay, On Time Girl, and Woodstock, the top three finishers from the Myrtlewood S. at Keeneland.