Classic Empire pleases trainer
Casse isn’t worried about Derby length, quick turnaround
In Ocala, Fla., for a horse sale, trainer Mark Casse hadn’t seen Classic Empire in about a week before arriving in Louisville on Thursday night.
What he saw Friday morning on the Churchill Downs track gave him more confidence that he has the horse to beat in the Kentucky Derby onMay 6.
Classic Empire was one of eight Derby hopefuls to post workouts at Churchill on Friday and covered 4 furlongs in 49.20 seconds.
“This was big,” Casse said. “I don’t think we could have asked for any better. He was the Classic Empire we’re always looking for. It gave me chills. Now it’s a waiting game.”
Classic Empire is expected to be named the morning- line favorite for the Derby after Wednesday’s draw.
The Eclipse Award 2- year- old champion had a rough winter and early spring — including a foot injury and two scheduled breezes in which he refused to work — but bounced back with an impressive win in the Arkansas Derby on April 15.
Skeptics have said the three- week turnaround to the Kentucky Derby might be too short for Classic Empire, but Casse said he was not concerned.
“I just don’t see how he can’t move forward,” Casse said. “I read that he’s not bred to go a mile and a quarter. Well, he went a mile and an eighth after a threeanda- half- month layoff. I don’t have a worry about amile and a quarter.”
Casse said Wood Memorial winner IrishWar Cry was his top concern entering the Derby but added that he didn’t mind being the favorite.
“That means you have the best shot of winning,” Casse said. “I don’t know that we’re feeling all that much pressure. We’re happy to be where we are today, given the last couple of months. We’re just going to enjoy the ride.”
State of Honor, Casse’s other Derby hopeful, also worked Friday, going 4 furlongs in 48.80 seconds.
Casse said State of Honor could be among the Derby horses setting the pace.
“He worked spectacular this morning,” Casse said. “He looks good. He tries really hard. … Maybe because of Classic Empire a lot of people aren’t paying attention to him.”
Frakes writes for The ( Louisville) CourierJournal, part of the USA TODAY Network.