In a thrilling finish at Keeneland on Tuesday, Burnham Square surged from behind to win the Grade 1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, earning 100 points toward the Kentucky Derby and securing a spot in the Run for the Roses.

Trained by Ian Wilkes for Whitham Thoroughbreds LLC and ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., Burnham Square overcame a bumpy start, where he was sandwiched between rivals, before mounting a wide rally from the back of the pack. The 3-year-old gelding by Liam’s Map displayed strong late kick, closing furiously down the center of the track to edge out East Avenue by a nose in the final strides.

East Avenue, guided by Luan Machado, set a fast early pace and gamely held his lead into the stretch. Despite switching leads late, he dug in deep before being caught in the shadow of the wire. River Thames, under Irad Ortiz Jr., tracked in third throughout and maintained that position at the finish, completing the trifecta.

The race was contested over 1 1/8 miles on a fast track, with a final time of 1:51.33. The race offered a purse of $1.25 million, with Burnham Square earning $755,625 for his owners, Whitham Thoroughbreds LLC.

Burnham Square, who earlier won the Holy Bull at Gulfstream Park, now has 130 Derby points, most of any horse.

Full order of finish (top 3):

1. Burnham Square (4.24-1) – paid $10.48 to win
2. East Avenue (4.98-1)
3. River Thames (3.08-1)

With his determined rally and gritty win, Burnham Square has emerged as a legitimate contender in what’s shaping up to be a competitive Derby field.

BLUE GRASS STAKES POINTS EARNERS

1. Burnham Square, 100 points, total of 130
2. East Avenue, 50 points, total of 60
3. River Thames, 25 points, total of 50
4. Admiral Dennis, 15 points, total of 17
5. Render Judgment, 10 points, total of 39