1. Classic Empire
Derby Points/Rank: 132 – 2nd
Race Record: (7) 5-0-1
Earnings: $2,120,220
Breeding: Pioneerof the Nile – Sambuca Classica
Owner: John Oxley
Trainer: Mark Casse
Last Race: Grade 1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park, Finished 1st
Analysis: Talk about coming full circle. Classic Empire was ranked number one on our first list of the year, but after a disappointing run in the Holy Bull, he lost that spot when week two rolled around. Now, he’s back to number one for the last week of the rankings after a bounce-back win in the Arkansas Derby. If the race was today, he’d be my pick, but in a field this evenly-matched, post positions will end up playing a major roll.
