Empire Dreams racing, Saratoga Snacks retiring

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – On the last day of 2015, Empire Dreams beat Saratoga Snacks by a head in the $100,000 Alex M. Robb Stakes at Aqueduct.

On the last day of 2016, Empire Dreams will go for a repeat in the 1 1/16-mile Alex Robb, while Saratoga Snacks will be enjoying retirement at a farm in East Greenbush, N.Y., owned by ReRun, an organization that places retired Thoroughbreds in new homes.

Empire Dreams is winless in three starts this year, most recently finishing fourth as the favorite in a division of the New York Stallion Stakes Series going seven furlongs over Aqueduct’s main track.

“Stretching him back out this time, he looks like he definitely would appreciate a little more ground,” said trainer Tom Albertrani.

Meanwhile, Saratoga Snacks, owned and trained by Gary Sciacca, did not race in 2016 but was in Sciacca’s care until Monday, when he left for ReRun. According to Sciacca, Saratoga Snacks will be based at ReRun and will not be trained for a second career or be offered for adoption.

“They will use him to showcase ReRun,” Sciacca said. “They really, really wanted him. He’ll be their poster boy. He deserves it.”

Saratoga Snacks, by Tale of the Cat, retires with a record of 9-6-4 from 24 starts and earnings of $693,500. His four stakes wins include the Robb in 2012 and the Empire Classic in 2013.