Classic Empire gets ball rolling in Holy Bull

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Two-year-old male champion Classic Empire will take his first steps on the Kentucky Derby trail Saturday at Gulfstream Park as the heavy favorite in the Grade 2 Holy Bull, the first of three major Derby preps here over the next eight weeks, culminating with the $1 million Florida Derby on April 1.

The 1 1/16-mile Holy Bull is the final event on a 12-race program that includes four other stakes races, topped by the Grade 2 Swale for 3-year-olds and its filly counterpart, the Grade 2 Forward Gal. First post is noon Eastern.

A field of nine was entered for the Holy Bull, with Delta Jackpot winner Gunnevera likely posing the chief threat to Classic Empire. The lineup also includes the undefeated pair of Fact Finding and Maryland invader Irish War Cry, along with outsiders Perro Rojo, Talk Logistics, Shamsaan, Cavil, and Fire for Effect.

Classic Empire won 4 of 5 starts at 2, with the lone loss coming in the Grade 1 Hopeful at Saratoga, where he wheeled while leaving the starting gate and lost rider Irad Ortiz Jr. His four victories all came with Julien Leparoux aboard and included the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland and a neck decision over the subsequently retired Not This Time in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

Trainer Mark Casse has been pleased with the way Classic Empire has progressed since returning to the work tab at Palm Meadows in early January.

“He’s doing everything right – he’s ready,” said Casse, who trains Classic Empire for John Oxley. “Obviously, we want this race to be something we can build on. We’d love to win and not empty the tank in the process, but we’re not coming over there half-cranked either. I expect him to win.”

Casse said that if all goes well in the Holy Bull, he’d likely point Classic Empire for the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth four weeks later.

“From there, we have a few options,” said Casse. “I think his running style fits this racetrack perfectly, but a lot depends on how hot it starts getting in south Florida. For now, I’m just worried about this one.”

Gunnevera is also coming up to the Holy Bull training exceptionally well, according to Antonio Sano, who conditions the two-time stakes winner for Peacock Racing Stables LLC. Gunnevera closed out his 2-year-old season by winning 3 of his last 4 starts. He finished fifth after a wide trip in the Breeders’ Futurity, nearly seven lengths behind Classic Empire. He rebounded six weeks later with a 5 3/4-length victory in the Delta Jackpot.

“He couldn’t be doing any better,” said Sano. “The most important thing on Saturday is to get some pace. With his running style, he needs a good pace.”

Fact Finding won his three starts at 2 by a combined 13 3/4 lengths, closing out the campaign Dec. 10 with a seven-length victory going a mile over a wet track in the Smooth Air here. The Holy Bull will be his first start around two turns.

Irish War Cry raced greenly but still won his career debut by 4 1/2 lengths going six furlongs Nov. 11. He stretched out to seven-eighths to register a nose decision in the Marylander Stakes seven weeks later. Both of those victories came at Laurel. Trained by Graham Motion, the son of Curlin will race on Lasix for the first time in the Holy Bull.

Irish War Cry has breezed twice since shipping to Palm Meadows from Motion’s main base at Fair Hill shortly after his 2-year-old finale.

Key Contenders

Classic Empire, by Pioneerof the Nile

Last 3 Beyers: 102-88-87

◗ He goes into his 3-year-old debut as the shortest price of the 23 individual horses in Pool 2 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager at odds of 5-1. The mutuel field remains favored at 5-2. He was also the individual favorite at 6-1 in Pool 1.

Gunnevera, by Dialed In

Last 3 Beyers: 86-76-84

◗ He’s partnered once again with jockey Javier Castellano, under whom he won both the Delta Jackpot and Grade 2 Saratoga Special.