Win brings new hope for Classic Empire
Classic Empire returned Monday to Louisville with renewed hope from his connections and a renewed set of expectations nationally.
Classic Empire took his place in Barn 36 on Churchill Downs’ back side after a flight from Arkansas, where he won the $1 million, Grade I Arkansas Derby on Saturday.
The 2-year-old champ had raised questions after a thirdplace finish in the Feb. 4 Holy Bull Stakes, a foot injury and two instances in which he refused to work out. But many of those concerns were erased by Saturday’s victory.
Mike Battaglia said Sunday that Classic Empire likely would be the favorite when he sets the morning-line odds for the Kentucky Derby. Monday, Classic Empire jumped from No. 7 to No. 1 in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s Top 3-Year- Old Poll.
“The horse came out of the race in really good order and had a pretty unremarkable trip here from Arkansas this morning,” said assistant trainer Norm Casse, son of head trainer Mark Casse. “He seems very happy, and we’re all very happy.”
Norm Casse said the Arkansas Derby was a good race for Classic Empire, not only because he won but also the way he won — having to navigate traffic early and overcoming a wide trip down the stretch.
“It wasn’t a real easy race tactically,” Casse said. “He was stuck in between horses, something that he really hasn’t faced in a race. Going into the far turn, I was a little concerned about where he was. … But he proved all those things don’t matter when you’re the best.
“He had what would ( be) a prototypical-type Derby trip. He’s not going to have a perfect trip in the Derby, so hopefully that gives him a little bit of education going in, knowing now that we can tuck him in behind horses and he’ll be comfortable doing that.”
Casse said Classic Empire would get a few days off before galloping later this week. Casse said the son of Pioneerof the Nile could get his final workout before the Kentucky Derby on April 28 or April 29.
Classic Empire is among five Derby hopefuls who have arrived, joining J Boys Echo, State of Honor, Hence and McCraken. Girvin and Fast and Accurate also are in town at Churchill’s Trackside training facility. Gunnevera, third in the Florida Derby, is scheduled to arrive at Churchill on Saturday.