10/27/2024

   11   The Empire Classic         

$250.000     3YO&Up Foaled in NY     1 1/8^thm  Dirt     3yo 121lbs  Older 124lbs

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Sunday Funday and while the Jets stink, we head over to AQU for a great day of NY-bred racing action, this one is The Empire Classic… a mile and an eighth main track stakes for the boys, and let’s just hope there are no butt-fumbles.  I’m looking at Family Tradition as my top pick… so does The Card… he’s proven to be a sharp claim by the Luz outfit, showing a pair of wins and a third from five outings since the hostile takeover.  He won the Shipman Hcp vs similar on a wet track and was third last out in the PID Mile after having a big lead in that one.  More of that and he may be tough to catch, as speed is his game.  Let’s go one gate over and take Galapagos as the second choice, that one is another speedster, which could be setting me up for defeat… he had a five-length lead in the Shipman before getting run down by the top choice.  I think the wet track did no favors for him that day, so watch the conditions here, although fast and firm seems to be the current outlook.  It’s a nice group and should be a fun one to watch.   

Here’s The Field –  

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1		Everythings Fine		TwinTowersRacing		Velazquez J R		124		8/1
2		Mohegan Smoke		Asgar		Lopez P		124		4/1
3		Galapagos		Night Rider Stables		Saez L		124		5/2
4		Family Tradition		Luz International		Achard A		124		9/5
5		Buccaneers Bounty		Nakamura Stables		Gallardo A A		124		9/2
6		Nick Dundee		Lanfranco Stable		Lezcano J		124		6/1

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 COZMAN  4 / 3       Willie’s Green Card   4 / 6 / 2

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