CLASSIC EMPIRE (c, 2,Pioneerof the Nile–Sambuca Classica, by Cat Thief), a $475,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase, stormed home down the center of the strip to capture his career debut in the slop beneath the Twin Spires. The bay posted four breezes in preparation for this unveiling, including a bullet five-furlong move in :59 flat at Keeneland Apr. 26. Hammered down to 1-2 favoritism, the colt raced in seventh in the early stages behind a quarter-mile in :22.81. Commencing his rally on the turn, he angled five wide cornering for home and reeled in the pacesetters to score by two lengths. Reverend John (Noble’s Promise) was second best. The winner is a half to Anytime Magic (Fusaichi Pegasus), MSW, $175,585; and Uptown Twirl (Twirling Candy), SW, $134,714, and her second dam is MGISP In Her Glory (Miswaki). Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $26,400.

Courtesy of the TDN