Hollywood Park: Broadway Empire to go in Zia Park Derby

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Broadway Empire, ninth in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile on Nov. 1, will run in the $200,000 Zia Park Derby in New Mexico on Nov. 23, trainer Robertino Diodoro said Sunday.

Broadway Empire won three stakes at Northlands Park in Canada and Remington Park in Oklahoma before the loss in the BC Dirt Mile. On Nov. 1, Broadway Empire was second to eventual winner Goldencents for six furlongs but faded in the final furlong.

Diodoro said Broadway Empire was transferred to his stable at Turf Paradise last Friday and will be based there for another two weeks.

“We want to train him for a few days and make sure he’s ready to go,” Diodoro said. “Our plan is to go over [to New Mexico] four or five days before the race.”

Diodoro won the 2011 Zia Park Derby with First Strike. He said Broadway Empire will be kept in two-turn races this winter, and that the San Fernando Stakes at Santa Anita in January is a goal.

“I think he’s better going further,” Diodoro said. “We’ll keep him at two turns. This will probably be his last start before we give him a short break.”

Broadway Empire has won 4 of 7 starts and earned $405,745. His biggest win was in the $400,000 Oklahoma Derby at Remington Park on Sept. 29.