Spanish Empire wins at Oaklawn

Spanish Empire overtook pacesetter Crafty Shaw in the stretch and drove to a one-length win in the Grade 3, $100,000 Fifth Season Breeders' Cup at Oaklawn Park on Wednesday. Crafty Shaw held for second, a neck in front of third-place finisher No Comprende.

Spanish Empire ($5.60) broke sharply and settled in third behind Crafty Shaw, who set fractions of 23 seconds for the opening quarter and 46.20 seconds for the half-mile. Spanish Empire closed in on Crafty Shaw at the half-mile pole, then raced with him around the final turn before going on to cover the 1 1/16 miles of the Fifth Season in 1:42.40.

Eddie Martin Jr. rode Spanish Empire for trainer Steve Asmussen. The colt earned $60,000 for the win, which was his fifth from 15 starts. His earnings now stand at $237,714. Spanish Empire, who is a 4-year-old by Pleasant Colony, races for Jubilee Stables.