2023 Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Angel of Empire

Angel of Empire

Classic Empire – Armony’s Angel, by To Honor and Serve

Bred in Pennsylvania by Forgotten Land Investment and Black Diamond Equine ($70,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase by Albaugh Family Stable)

Following a few relatively quiet weeks, the Kentucky Derby points chase kicks into high gear next week, as the final major prep races begin awarding 100 points to their respective winners. A handful of horses already appear safely in the field on points, including Angel of Empire, who has 54, the majority coming from his victory in the Grade 2 Risen Star at Fair Grounds. The colt is looking to be a breakthrough runner for Classic Empire, a young stallion from a proven sireline.

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner and Eclipse Award champion Classic Empire went on to win the 2017 Arkansas Derby and finish second in the Preakness Stakes. Angel of Empire is his fourth graded stakes winner from his first two crops, joining Classy Edition, Interstatedaydream, and Morello. All scored their signature wins at a mile or beyond.

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Classic Empire is by Pioneerof the Nile, best known as the sire of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. Pioneerof the Nile is a grandson of Kentucky Derby winner Unbridled, whose sons and grandsons have been classically prominent sires. The Unbridled line is responsible for American classic winners Birdstone, Empire Maker, Grindstone, Mine That Bird, Red Bullet, and Summer Bird, as well as champions Arrogate and Will Take Charge, both major winners at 10 furlongs.

Angel of Empire is the first foal out of Armony’s Angel, who went winless in eight starts. The mare is a half-sister to Grade 2 Gulfstream Hardacre Mile winner Conquest Big E and Aquapazza, a stakes winner at a mile on turf.

Angel of Empire is closely related to another Derby hopeful in Brad Cox-trained stablemate Victory Formation.

Seeinsbelieven, the dam of Armony’s Angel, is a half-sister to Grade 2 winner Softly, whose daughter Smart N Soft is the dam of Victory Formation – who defeated runner-up Angel of Empire in the Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park before finishing ninth as the favorite in the Risen Star.

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