Ted Noffey Captures Grade 1 Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland

At Keeneland, two standout performances highlighted the racing scene with Rhetorical and Ted Noffey making significant Grade 1 impacts. Rhetorical, a 4-year-old gelding trained by Will Walden, claimed victory in the $1.25 million Coolmore Turf Mile Stakes after a strategic race led by jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., showcasing his readiness to compete at the highest level following strong performances in New York-bred company. Meanwhile, Ted Noffey, a 2-year-old colt trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by John Velazquez, dominated the Claiborne Breeders' Futurity, maintaining an undefeated record with a 2¾-length win, earning a spot in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Ted Noffey's triumph was marked by a well-judged race from Velazquez, who expertly positioned the colt before taking command at the stretch and finishing strongly, further cementing his reputation as a rising star in the juvenile dirt division. These victories not only underscore the skill of their trainers and jockeys but also set the stage for future high-stakes competitions, including the Breeders' Cup. Both horses exemplify promising talent in their respective categories, with Ted Noffey also securing an automatic berth to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile through his win.