Classic Empire returns to training, points to Haskell

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Mark Casse said from his base at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. training center that Classic Empire returned to training Friday morning at Churchill Downs for the first time since being declared from consideration for the Belmont Stakes with a foot abscess. Classic Empire, fourth in the Kentucky Derby and second in the Preakness, was the Belmont favorite prior to his defection.

“He jogged and did it well,” Casse said. “He’s got some new shoes on. Everything is a go for the Haskell” on July 30 at Monmouth Park.

Meanwhile, several of the Casse standouts who raced on the June 10 Belmont undercard also have returned to Churchill in the care of Casse’s son and assistant, Norman.

Mark Casse said he is torn about whether to keep Awesome Slew, fourth in the Met Mile, in shorter races or “maybe think about something like the Whitney at Saratoga.”

Salty, second in the Acorn, could return to Belmont for the July 1 Mother Goose, he added, while World Approval, fifth in the 1 1/4-mile Manhattan, “won’t be running in those longer races again. We’ll try to keep him at a mile or a little more.”

:: Add a 5-card pack of PPs and save 55¢/card!