Empire Dreams can bounce back in Alex M. Robb
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – As consistent as he’s been for most of his career, Empire Dreams never has won consecutive races. So, coming off a win in the Empire Classic in October, perhaps his half-length loss as the 3-2 favorite in a division of the New York Stallion Stakes on Nov. 29 should have been expected.
On Thursday, Empire Dreams could very well return to the winner’s circle when he closes out 2015 in the $100,000 Alex M. Robb Stakes for New York-breds at Aqueduct. Empire Dreams will face seven rivals in the Robb, including past winners of this race Big Business (2014) and Saratoga Snacks (2012). Coincidentally, 2013 Robb winner Comandante also is competing on the card, albeit in a $40,000 claimer that directly precedes the Robb.
Though he has made all of his starts in New York, Empire Dreams is making his inner-track debut in this, his 19th career start. He typically is given the winter off, but his recent training suggested to his connections that he could race again before getting a break.
“We were discussing passing this race up, but he’s been training so well, we felt like there was no reason to stop on him,” said Tom Albertrani, who trains Empire Dreams for West Point Thoroughbreds.
At the quarter pole of the New York Stallion Stakes, Empire Dreams looked like he was going to finish off the board, but he kicked it in from the eighth pole to the wire and fell just short in the seven-furlong race.
“At the quarter pole, it didn’t look like he was going to put in any kind of an effort,” Albertrani said. “And then he came running. He needed just another jump.”
Albertrani said Empire Dreams would benefit from a solid pace, and he could get one with Saratoga Snacks and Ostrolenka in the field.
Key contenders
Empire Dreams (Last 3 Beyers: 88-94-87)
* Makes his first start in a two-turn, 1 1/16-mile race since the 2014 New York Derby, which he won by 2 1/4 lengths at Finger Lakes. In his only start at the distance this year, he was beaten three-quarters of a length by Saratoga Snacks while conceding six pounds to that rival. The two will be at level weights in this spot.
* The only race this year in which he finished worse than third was the only race in which he raced against open company.
Saratoga Snacks (Last 3 Beyers: 76-91-96)
* Finished seventh as the favorite in the Empire Classic in October. Trainer Gary Sciacca felt the horse was compromised by dueling with another horse through fast early fractions.
“He went head and head with a horse who ended pulling up,” Sciacca said. “He was a little disappointing that day. He’ll rebound and run big here.”
* Won this race in 2012 and is 2-2-0 from four starts over the inner track.
Good Luck Gus (Last 3 Beyers: 80-80-76)
* Stumbled badly at the break and was last early before finishing fifth in the Empire Classic.
* Is 2 for 3 around two turns, including a win the Damon Runyon Stakes here last December.