Racing Dudes Top 20 Kentucky Derby Rankings #12

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 after a bounce-back win in the Arkansas Derby.  It looked to me like he got a TON out of the race, and I loved the way he showed that he has no problem sitting behind horses and waiting to make his move.  He might be ready for a big effort in Kentucky.