5. Classic Empire
Derby Points/Rank: 32 – 1st
Race Record: (6) 4-0-1
Earnings: $1,520,220
Breeding: Pioneer of the Nile – Sambuca Classica
Owner: John Oxley
Trainer: Mark Casse
Last Race: Grade 2 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park, Finished 3rd
Analysis: Uh oh…the Kentucky Derby picture was muddled to say the least when 2 year old champ Classic Empire was a poor third in the Holy Bull Stakes. It is way to early to give up on this horse yet as he was very hot before the race and did not want to load in the gate. However, it was not the kind of performance you want to see from the “Kentucky Derby favorite.” He’ll have to work his way up the ranks now after that kind of effort.
