Bourbon Empire on Friday was announced as an early nominee to the Triple Crown, bringing to 419 the number of nominees at this stage of the process. There were 418 3-year-olds announced as early nominees on Tuesday. Bourbon Empire's omission then, and addition on Friday, was because of a "clerical error," according to a press release from Churchill Downs. Bourbon Empire has won once in two starts. He is entered in the Gander Stakes for New York-breds on Saturday at Aqueduct. :: Enjoy news and analysis from DRF? Get handicapping analysis, real-time coverage, special reports, and charts. Unlock access with DRF Plus.