-The Empire Classic
Purse $250,000 (3+ Foaled In NY)
South Ozone Park, NY

A hat trick is a tough enough accomplishment in ice hockey, but it does happen when a single player is in the zone during one game. In horse racing, it takes the horse and the horse’s team to be in the zone for weeks and weeks. It all came together for Never Hold Back and his team over at The Sidley Stud barn this afternoon as “Back” scored his third straight and fourth out of six since the astute claim back in late April. I believe he is still improving at age six. Congrats to the connections. Doc Rivers from DJC Racing Stables, our top pick during the preview ran second in another good outing but was just no match for the winner today. Classic Look from Nakamura stables sat a great trip today but had to settle for third.

Of the rest:

Classical, also from the DJC Racing Stables took on his elders and passed the test with a very good looking fourth place finish. Better should be expected from him as he matures.

Evgenii from Night Rider Stables pressed the pace most of the race and then tired to run fifth.

Save A Horse from the Martyparty shed row ran around the oval in seventh the whole way, getting a tad too far back and only managed to pass one foe in running sixth.

Bronze Crown from Twin Towers Racing got out in a hurry but had company pressing him and he tired shortly after the half mile pole to run seventh.

Family Tradition from Luz International looked over matched today and ran last.

-Trackman

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded