Maker's trio takes on Star Empire in WEBN Stakes

A couple of weeks after trainer Mike Maker started three horses in the Grade 3 John B. Connally Turf Cup at Sam Houston and watched them run 1-2-3, he is running another trio, this time at Turfway Park in the $50,000 WEBN Stakes on Saturday evening, with En Hanse, Hey Mike, and Hunka Burning Love.

He isn’t about to predict another Maker-trained trifecta.

“They got to beat Wesley,” he said, referring to trainer Wesley Ward, whose has two entrants in the 12-horse WEBN, Star Empire and Bound for Nowhere, although only one is likely to race.

Ward’s probable starter is 2-1 morning-line favorite Star Empire, a British-bred 3-year-old son of Foxwedge who won his first two starts as a juvenile in 2016 before running third in the Grade 3 Arlington-Washington Futurity, second in the Grade 3 Futurity at Belmont Park, and then being eased in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

Ward said a change in tactics contributed to that failure. A naturally speedy horse, Star Empire was rated, and the move backfired, with the horse resenting it and jockey Tyler Gaffalione not persevering down the lane when the colt was well beaten.

For the past couple of months, Star Empire has breezed regularly at Turfway, recording several swift works.

Gaffalione was named to ride when entries were taken this week, but with the jockey having a full slate of mounts Saturday at Gulfstream, Ward anticipates using Alonso Quinonez as a replacement.

Ward’s other entrant, first-out winner Bound for Nowhere, is what the trainer calls an “insurance policy” – unlikely to run unless some setback occurs with Star Empire.

WEBN Stakes, Race 6

Key Contenders

Hey Mike, by Cape Blanco

Last 3 Beyers: 72-56-67

◗ He Invades from Florida, where he was unable to keep up in two-turn stakes.

“I’m hoping the cutback and class relief gets him back on track,” Maker said.

Hunka Burning Love, by Into Mischief

Last 3 Beyers: 77-61-56

◗ An inconsistent colt, he put it all together in his most recent start, winning a first-level allowance by 4 1/2 lengths.

Star Empire, by Foxwedge

Last 3 Beyers: NA-76-67

◗ Although more experienced on dirt than on synthetic tracks, he has a win and a third on Tapeta and Polytrack. Blinkers, on for his first five races, come off.