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

Doc Rivers from the DJC Racing Stables looks to make a house call in The Empire Classic. The “good Doc” has been knocking heads with some good ones and has been competitive all year long. The drop to State Breds is sure to help and he will take some beating today. Win or lose, he is the horse.

Never Hold Back from The Sidley Stud outfit is a six-year-old gelding that has found a new lease on life since being claimed for just $16.000 back in April of this year. Career high speed figure in his last where he opened up three decisive lengths on his own stablemate and nearly $10,000.000 earner Spankersville. Not sure what they are feeding him over there in barn twelve, but it’s working.

Classic Look from Nakamura Stables was confidently ridden in his last start as he moved up to win in armchair style, the biggest of his career. His best race however came against State Breds at this same trip up at Saratoga when he ran second and earned a career high 99 figure. I am not sure if he can topple the top two here, but he has never been better, and this looks ideal.

Of the rest:

Evgenii from Night Rider Stables was over matched in The Pacific Classic after two solid efforts in a grade 3 and a grade 2. This should be a much better spot, but the post draw doesn’t help any.

Family Tradition from Luz International will be praying for rain, as he handles the off going well. His numbers don’t match the top picks here, but he isn’t too far away, add him to exotic wagers, especially if it rains.

Bronze Crown from Twin Towers Racing drops a ton here but also switches surfaces. He will still need to improve to threaten here. Solid move on the 16th noted.

Save A Horse from the MartyParty barn is a three-year-old trying older. Big move at Keenland on the 16th noted, but the scenery may not be to his liking here and the rail will probably dictate tactics.

Classical (also from DJC Racing Stables) is a stablemate of the top pick and like Save A Horse, he is also a three-year-old trying older. Best number earned was over this track going a flat mile. Still guessing he is here for the experience only.

-Trackman

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded