Classic Empire to bypass Travers for Pennsylvania Derby

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Trainer Mark Casse confirmed Monday the news most had expected was coming - that his 2-year-old champion Classic Empire would not make the Grade 1 Travers here on Aug. 26 and would instead be pointed for the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby at Parx on Sept. 23.

Classic Empire has not started since his second-place finish in the Preakness or had a published work since June 2 at Churchill Downs. He’s alternated his morning gallops between the main track and Oklahoma training track since arriving at Saratoga last month.

“We let him pick up the pace galloping this morning, and we’re close, really close, to a work,” Casse said on Monday. “By going to the Pennsylvania Derby, it gives us an extra four weeks to get him ready, and the race is a furlong shorter, which should also be good for us.”

Casse will not be lacking for action on Travers Day, when he sends out Awesome Slew in the Grade 1 Forego. Awesome Slew, who finished fifth after setting the pace in the 2016 Pennsylvania Derby, turned in an eye-catching five-furlong work in 1:00.30 before galloping out six furlongs in 1:12.83 here Sunday.

“That’s probably as good as a horse can work,” said Casse. “We’re going to the Forego, although of course it’s not an easy spot. But it’s seven furlongs, which is good for him. We just need something to happen.”

Awesome Slew finished second behind Mind Your Biscuits in the Grade 2 Belmont Sprint in his most recent start, and will likely to meet that nemesis again in the Forego.

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