The Breeders’ Cup Future Stars Friday at Keeneland highlighted promising contenders for the 2027 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks. In the Juvenile Fillies race, Brendan Walsh’s unbeaten filly Emphatic secured her fourth consecutive victory, completing the mile and a sixteenth in 1:44.23. With back-to-back grade 1 wins, Emphatic has firmly established herself as a leading prospect for the Kentucky Oaks. Her smooth performance, including a decisive stretch run, underscored her potential as she heads into next spring’s racing season.

Meanwhile, the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile showcased another rising star, Hughes, trained by Bob Baffert. The unbeaten colt continued his flawless record with a commanding 2.25-length victory, securing his fifth win in as many starts. Hughes' win not only demonstrated his impressive speed and stamina but also catapulted him to the top of the Kentucky Derby qualifying leaderboard with 40 points. This victory added to Baffert’s record as the owner of seven Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winners, further cementing Hughes’ status as a top Derby hopeful.

Emphatic, owned by Gainesway Stable and Andrew Rosen, was purchased for $260,000 as a yearling, and has already earned $1,444,250 throughout her short career. Trainer Brendan Walsh, who previously won the 2023 Kentucky Oaks with Pretty Mischievous, remains cautiously optimistic about her future, remarking on her consistency and promising talent. Meanwhile, Hughes, owned by a consortium including Front Row Racing, Starlight Racing, and others, was acquired for $675,000 and has amassed $1,520,000 in earnings.

These two outstanding juveniles have set the stage for an exciting Kentucky Derby and Oaks season. Their performances at the Breeders’ Cup will make them focal points as the racing world looks ahead to the iconic first Saturday in May. With such early promise, both Emphatic and Hughes are positioned as the young horses to watch in the coming months.