Classic Empire has eventful breeze for Haskell Invitational

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – According to trainer Mark Casse, Classic Empire remains targeted for the July 30 Haskell at Monmouth Park after breezing Monday at Churchill Downs.

Churchill Downs clockers had not assigned a time for Classic Empire as of 11 a.m. Eastern on Monday, which Casse attributed to the unorthodox, confusing nature of the breeze. It was designed to be five furlongs but ended up being more like a seven-furlong workout after the colt “ran off” and began his breeze prematurely, Casse said.

Casse said his son and assistant, Norman, timed Classic Empire going five furlongs to the top of the stretch in just under 1:02 under regular exercise rider Martin Rivera; Classic Empire was clocked going seven furlongs to the wire in about 1:28.

“We can just live in his world,” Mark Casse said of the colt, known for his misbehavior and headstrong antics.

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Monday’s breeze marked Classic Empire’s first workout since a foot abscess was discovered in the days leading up to the Belmont Stakes, an injury that forced him to be scratched. Since then, he experienced some foot discomfort that slowed his training last month and ultimately required him to be equipped with protective Z-bar shoes.

Plans call for Classic Empire to depart Monday evening for Saratoga, where he will resume his preparation for the Haskell, a race Casse is optimistic that his horse can make. “He got a lot closer after today,” he said.

Classic Empire, last year’s champion juvenile male, last raced in the May 20 Preakness Stakes, finishing second to Cloud Computing after disputing the early pace with Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming.

The Haskell, a Grade 1, $1 million dirt race at 1 1/8 miles, is expected to draw Battle of Midway, Girvin, Irish War Cry, Practical Joke, Timeline, and others.

Cloud Computing and Always Dreaming are being pointed toward the Grade 2 Jim Dandy on July 29 at Saratoga.