The Empire Classic – $250.000

AQU – 1 1/8 Mile – Dirt

For Three Year Olds And Upward Foaled in NY

October 29, 2023

1 Magical Sunset (Riggins Racing)

Best performances this year were two third place finishes that came In the Sham Stakes back in January and the State-bred GV Breeders Stakes two back. Not much to recommend this three-year-old colt.

2 Hamilton Library (First Flight Stable)

Graded stakes winner of the Davis (Grade 3) back in February. Has not been able to repeat that performance. Third in the TX Derby and the WV Derby. Needs to bring his A-game to win here.

3 Domiano (Fractious)

On the board three times in nine starts this year, including a win in the state-bred Lee in May. Finished third in the Dandy at the same distance as this race, so he should be competitive here.

4 Mr Pancake (Arindel)

Hit the board twice in graded company this year and won a N1X at SAR at this distance in the mud. Finished last in his last start but still has a chance to bring home money in this field.

5 Everythings Fine (TwinTowersRacing)

NY Derby winner in state-bred company. Only other win was a MSW at AQU but has been close in graded company. Another one that needs a strong performance.

6 Hard To Forgive (D J C Racing Stables)

Won the Ghostzapper (Grade 3) back in April but hasn’t made it back to the winner’s circle since, but he did finish a strong second in the Alysheba in May. Wouldn’t count him out.

7 Galapagos (Night Rider Stables)

Put together a string of second-place finishes, including the Shipman Handicap and the Commentator Handicap. Likes the view from the front and could be there at the wire.

8 World Of Outlaws (Mb Stables)

When he’s good, he’s very good. Did not fare well in the TC, but he has had some success in graded company, including a win in the BG Stakes. Comes to this race off a win in optional claiming company at SA. Looks like the class of the field.

9 At The Gates (Mb Stables)

Wired a field of seven in the Bourbon Trail last start. Scored a second in the SA Derby and a third in the Peter Pan. This is a soft spot for this gelding, and he could give his stablemate a run for the money.

10 Dragons Teeth (Alydar Stables)

Solid allowance horse looking for his first stakes win. Could go home with a piece of the purse, but he’ll have to step it up a bit.

11 Evgenii (Arindel)

Won a State-bred allowance in January but hasn’t shown much since then. Seems a bit outclassed in this field.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded