Classic Empire

Bay Colt
Born 2014
KY-Bred

Classic Empire - Belmont Park, June 7, 2017

Classic Empire stands in his stall with handler Sara Campion after being declared out of the Belmont Stakes June 7, 2017 at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y.
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Classic Empire - Belmont Park, June 6, 2017

Classic Empire's final work before the Belmont Stakes, working in company with Airoforce.
June 2, 2017 Churchill in Louisville, Kentucky. — Classic Empire's final work before the Belmont Stakes, working in company with Airoforce. June 2, 2017 Churchill in Louisville, Kentucky.
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Churchill Works at Churchill including Classic Empire's final work before the Belmont Stakes.
June 2, 2017 Churchill in Louisville, Kentucky. Awesome Slew with Julien Leparoux on right. — Churchill Works at Churchill including Classic Empire's final work before the Belmont Stakes. June 2, 2017 Churchill in Louisville, Kentucky. Awesome Slew with Julien Leparoux on right.
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Churchill Works at Churchill including Classic Empire's final work before the Belmont Stakes.
June 2, 2017 Churchill in Louisville, Kentucky. — Churchill Works at Churchill including Classic Empire's final work before the Belmont Stakes. June 2, 2017 Churchill in Louisville, Kentucky.
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Churchill Works at Churchill including Classic Empire's final work before the Belmont Stakes. Martin Rivera up
June 2, 2017 Churchill in Louisville, Kentucky. — Churchill Works at Churchill including Classic Empire's final work before the Belmont Stakes. Martin Rivera up June 2, 2017 Churchill in Louisville, Kentucky.
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Churchill Works at Churchill including Classic Empire's final work before the Belmont Stakes, working in company with Airoforce. June 2, 2017
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Classic Empire - Churchill Downs, June 2, 2017

John (Jack) and Debby Oxley with Classic Empire
May 20, 2017 Baltimore in Pimlico, Maryland. — John (Jack) and Debby Oxley with Classic Empire May 20, 2017 Baltimore in Pimlico, Maryland.

Steven and Brandi Nicholson, breeders of Classic Empire, with their children.
May 20, 2017 Baltimore in Pimlico, Maryland. — Steven and Brandi Nicholson, breeders of Classic Empire, with their children. May 20, 2017 Baltimore in Pimlico, Maryland.

Classic Empire - Preakness Stakes
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Always Dreaming and Classic Empire - Preakness Stakes
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Always Dreaming (#4) with John Velazquez and Classic Empire (#5) with Julien Leparoux go by the finish line the first time during the 142nd Running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on May 20, 2017.
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Classic Empire
Morning After Cloud Computing with Javier Castellano up wins the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) for Klaravich Stables and William Lawrence, and trainer Chad Brown.
May 21, 2017 Baltimore in Pimlico, Maryland. — Classic Empire Morning After Cloud Computing with Javier Castellano up wins the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) for Klaravich Stables and William Lawrence, and trainer Chad Brown. May 21, 2017 Baltimore in Pimlico, Maryland.

Morning After with Mark Casse and Classic Empire on May 21, 2017 Baltimore in Pimlico, Maryland.

May 21, 2017 Baltimore in Pimlico, Maryland.

Mark Casse with Classic Empire on May 21, 2017 Baltimore in Pimlico, Maryland.

Cloud Computing passing Classic Empire down the stretch to win the Preakness

Cloud Computing in the final stride to pass Classic Empire in the Preakness

Cloud Computing and Classic Empire battling down the stretch past the crown of Black Eyed Susans, winner ultimately was Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing going past the crown of Black Eyed Susans after winning the Preakness
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Classic Empire being led back to the barn by trainer Mark Casse
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Classic Empire with Marin Rivera being lead by Mark Casse.
Preakness contenders at Pimlico.
May 18, 2017 Baltimore in Pimlico, Maryland. — Classic Empire with Marin Rivera being lead by Mark Casse. Preakness contenders at Pimlico. May 18, 2017 Baltimore in Pimlico, Maryland.
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Classic Empire with Martin Rivera and being lead by Mark Casse.
Preakness contenders at Pimlico.
May 18, 2017 Baltimore in Pimlico, Maryland. — Classic Empire with Martin Rivera and being lead by Mark Casse. Preakness contenders at Pimlico. May 18, 2017 Baltimore in Pimlico, Maryland.
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Norm Casse leads Classic Empire back to barn after bath, with Mark Casse on left.
Preakness contenders at Pimlico.
May 17, 2017 — Norm Casse leads Classic Empire back to barn after bath, with Mark Casse on left. Preakness contenders at Pimlico. May 17, 2017
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Mark Casse with Classic Empire. Norm Casse (back right, red) Preakness contenders at Pimlico.
May 17, 2017 — Mark Casse with Classic Empire. Norm Casse (back right, red) Preakness contenders at Pimlico. May 17, 2017
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Classic Empire with Martin Rivera
Preakness contenders at Pimlico.
May 17, 2017 — Classic Empire with Martin Rivera Preakness contenders at Pimlico. May 17, 2017
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Norm Casse leads Classic Empire with Martin Rivera to the track. Preakness contenders at Pimlico.
May 17, 2017 — Norm Casse leads Classic Empire with Martin Rivera to the track. Preakness contenders at Pimlico. May 17, 2017
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Norm Casse leads Classic Empire with Martin Rivera to the track. on left, l-r, Mark Casse and Sarah Campion. Preakness contenders at Pimlico.
May 17, 2017 — Norm Casse leads Classic Empire with Martin Rivera to the track. on left, l-r, Mark Casse and Sarah Campion. Preakness contenders at Pimlico. May 17, 2017
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Preakness Stakes: Trainer Mark Casse, on Classic Empire

Kentucky Derby Day - Classic Empire - Churchill Downs - 05-06-17

Classic Empire on the track at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2017 preparing for the Kentucky Derby.
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Classic Empire - Gallop - Churchill Downs - 05-04-17

Classic Empire out for exercise Wednesday morning May 4, 2017 in preparation for Saturday's 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
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Classic Empire on the track at Churchill Downs on May 3, 2017.
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Classic Empire - Schooling - Churchill Downs - 05-03-17

Classic Empire - Gallop - Churchill Downs - 05-03-17

Classic Empire gallops at Churchill Downs May 3, 2017 in Louisville, KY. Photo by Skip Dickstein
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Classic Empire gallops at Churchill Downs May 3, 2017 in Louisville, KY.
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Classic Empire
Derby and Oaks contenders in the morning at Churchill Downs May 3, 2017 Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. — Classic Empire Derby and Oaks contenders in the morning at Churchill Downs May 3, 2017 Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
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Classic Empire - Paddock Schooling - Churchill Downs - 050217

Classic Empire
Derby and Oaks contenders in the morning at Churchill Downs May 2, 2017 Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. — Classic Empire Derby and Oaks contenders in the morning at Churchill Downs May 2, 2017 Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
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Classic Empire - Churchill Downs - May 2, 2017
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Schooling, Classic Empire
Derby and Oaks contenders in the morning at Churchill Downs May 2, 2017 Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. — Schooling, Classic Empire Derby and Oaks contenders in the morning at Churchill Downs May 2, 2017 Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
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Classic Empire with Martin Rivera
Derby and Oaks contenders in the morning at Churchill Downs May 2, 2017 Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. — Classic Empire with Martin Rivera Derby and Oaks contenders in the morning at Churchill Downs May 2, 2017 Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
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Classic Empire - Gallop - Churchill Downs - 050217

Classic Empire - Gallop - Churchill Downs - 05-01-17

Classic Empire - Churchill Downs - May 1, 2017
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Classic Empire with Martin Rivera up
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Classic Empire - Churchill Downs - April 30, 2017
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Classic Empire - Jog - Churchill Downs - 04-30-17

Classic Empire pulling up after work with Martin Rivera. Derby and Oaks contenders in the morning at Churchill Downbs April 28, 2017 Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
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Classic Empire with Martin Rivera works at Churchill.
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Casse Derby saddlecloths
Derby and Oaks contenders in the morning at Churchill Downbs April 28, 2017 Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. — Casse Derby saddlecloths Derby and Oaks contenders in the morning at Churchill Downbs April 28, 2017 Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
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Classic Empire - Work - Churchill Downs - 04-28-17

Classic Empire, Martin Rivera up, - April 28, 2017

Classic Empire - Gallop, Churchill Downs - April 27, 2017

Classic Empire - Gallop, Churchill Downs - 04-26-17

Classic Empire - Gallop - Churchill Downs - 04-25-17

Classic Empire - Gallop, Churchill Downs - April 24, 2017

Classic Empire wins the Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn on April 15 2017

Classic Empire - Churchill Downs - April 17, 2017

Classic Empire wins the 2017 Arkansas Derby

Classic Empire - Oaklawn Park - April 13, 2017

Classic Empire - Oaklawn Park - April 12, 2017

Trainer Mark Casse and Classic Empire at Winding Oaks Farm in Ocala, Fla.

Classic Empire at Palm Meadows, Feb 1, 2017

Classic Empire - Palm Meadows, Feb 1, 2017

Classic Empire wins the Eclipse Award for Two-Year-Old Male accepted by trainer Mark Casse for owner John Oxley at Gulfstream Park, 46th annual Eclipse Awards, 2017
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Mr. and Mrs. John Oxley, owners of Classic Empire
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Classic Empire in the Juvenile. Breeders’ Cup
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Classic Empire winner of Juvenile.
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Classic Empire wins the 2016 Breeders' Cup Juvenile

Trainer Mark Casse leads Classic Empire to the winners' circle, after winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile
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The field leaving the starting gate in the Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita on 11/5/16.

Classic Empire and Julien Leparoux winning the Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita on 11/5/16.

Classic Empire and Julien Leparoux heading for home in the Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita on 11/5/16.

Classic Empire and Julien Leparoux after winning the Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita on 11/5/16.

Julien Leparoux and connections of Classic Empire celebrate after winning the Sentient Jet Juvenile (gr. I) at Santa Anita on Nov. 5, 2016, in Arcadia, California.
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Julien Leparoux celebrates after winning the Sentient Jet Juvenile (gr. I) at Santa Anita on Nov. 5, 2016, in Arcadia, California.

Classic Empire with Julien Leparoux beat Not This TIme with Robby Albarado to win the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (GI) at Santa Anita on November 5, 2016.
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Classic Empire and Team Casse at Santa Anita on Nov. 5, 2016, in Arcadia, California.
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The field for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (GI) the first time by the grandstand at Santa Anita on November 5, 2016.
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Classic Empire with Julien Leparoux in the post parade prior to winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita on November 5, 2016.
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Classic Empire and Julien Leparoux win the Sentient Jet Juvenile (gr. I) at Santa Anita on Nov. 5, 2016, in Arcadia, California.
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The horses leave the starting gate for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (GI) at Santa Anita on November 5, 2016.
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November 5, 2016: Start of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile
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Classic Empire walkin with Mark Casse
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Team Casse, with Classic Empire
Norman Casse et al at Santa Anita on Nov. 5, 2016, in Arcadia, California. — Team Casse, with Classic Empire Norman Casse et al at Santa Anita on Nov. 5, 2016, in Arcadia, California.
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Julien Leparoux and family celebrate after winning the Sentient Jet Juvenile (gr. I) at Santa Anita on Nov. 5, 2016, in Arcadia, California.
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Classic Empire (#5) with Julien Leparoux beat Not This Time (#10) with Robby Albarado to win the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (GI) at Santa Anita Park on November 5, 2016.
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Classic Empire, Julien Leparoux up, wins the Sentient Jet Juvenile (gr. I) at Santa Anita on Nov. 5, 2016, in Arcadia, California.
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Classic Empire with Julien Leparoux win the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (GI) at Santa Anita on November 5, 2016.
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Classic Empire with Julien Leparoux up wins The 103rd Running of The Claiborne Breeders' Futurity (gr. 1) at Keeneland on , Saturday Oct. 8, 2016 in Lexington, Ky.
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Oxleys walk in Classic Empire with Julien Leparoux up wins The 103rd Running of The Claiborne Breeders' Futurity (gr. 1) at Keeneland on , Saturday Oct. 8, 2016 in Lexington, Ky.

David Carroll, assistant trainer for Mark Casse, celebrates.
Classic Empire with Julien Leparoux up wins The 103rd Running of The Claiborne Breeders' Futurity (gr. 1) at Keeneland on , Saturday Oct. 8, 2016 in Lexington, Ky. — David Carroll, assistant trainer for Mark Casse, celebrates. Classic Empire with Julien Leparoux up wins The 103rd Running of The Claiborne Breeders' Futurity (gr. 1) at Keeneland on , Saturday Oct. 8, 2016 in Lexington, Ky.

Classic Empire wins Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (gr. I) at Keeneland.

Oxleys lead in Classic Empire with Julien Leparoux up wins The 103rd Running of The Claiborne Breeders' Futurity (gr. 1) at Keeneland on , Saturday Oct. 8, 2016 in Lexington, Ky.

Classic Empire wins the 2016 Claiborne Breeders' Futurity

Classic Empire wins the 2016 Bashford Manor.

News
Profile

Classic Empire to Resume Galloping

John Oxley's reigning juvenile male champion Classic Empire is scheduled to resume galloping the morning of July 22 following an easy week at Saratoga Race Course, said Norman Casse, assistant trainer to his father Mark.

Coaching Club Likely Next for Acorn Runner-Up Salty

By Alicia Wincze Hughes
July 7, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Northeast Region, Kentucky

The 1 1/8-mile Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) was tabbed by trainer Mark Casse as Salty's upcoming target following her five-furlong breeze in 1:00 1/5 at Churchill Downs July 7.

Get your Scorecard, the Travers Trail Has Begun

While it is still too early to get a clear picture of who is going where, one thing is for certain: the Haskell, Jim Dandy, and Travers are going to be extremely competitive and entertaining events, from which a solid 3-year-old leader should emerge.

Strong Card Awaits Fans at Belmont Park

By Frank Angst
June 10, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Northeast Region

With the first two classic winners of 2017 skipping the Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets (G1) and a pair of hopefuls not making the race, the big-event approach to the day by the New York Racing Association could prove key June 10.

Belmont Analysis: End of a Long Odd Journey

By Steve Haskin
June 9, 2017
Triple Crown

Here we are at the end of the road--the often unpredictable Belmont Stakes, without the Kentucky Derby or Preakness winner, without the favorite Classic Empire, and with a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the head of the Japanese invader Epicharis.

Irish War Cry Takes First Spin Around Belmont Park

By Alicia Wincze Hughes
June 8, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Northeast Region

Newly minted Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1) favorite Irish War Cry got his first look at the massive Belmont Park oval the morning of June 8, when he hit the main track for a 1 1/2-mile gallop with trainer Graham Motion keeping tabs.

Irish War Cry 7-2 Morning-Line Pick for Belmont Stakes

By Alicia Wincze Hughes
June 7, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Northeast Region

With champion Classic Empire out of the June 10 Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1) with a hoof abscess, Irish War Cry inherited the position of favoritism for the 1 1/2-mile race, and was installed as the 7-2 morning-line choice.

Belmont Scenario Shifts With Classic Empire's Absence

A foot abscess knocked Classic Empire out of the June 10 Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1), and left the rest of the entrants' connections to wonder how the race will play out in his absence.

Belmont Stakes News Update for June 7

By Claire Novak
June 7, 2017
Triple Crown

Claire Novak interviews trainer Mark Casse about Classic Empire's defection from the Belmont Stakes (G1), and checks in on the juvenile champion on a busy Wednesday morning as the remaining Belmont contenders gear up for the race.

Champion Classic Empire to Miss Belmont Stakes

By Alicia Wincze Hughes
June 7, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Northeast Region

Champion Classic Empire will not run in the June 10 Belmont Stakes (G1) because of a hoof abscess in his right front, trainer Mark Casse said June 7.

Classic Empire Turns in Final Move for Belmont Stakes

By Alicia Wincze Hughes
June 2, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Kentucky

Dealing with curveballs has become the norm for Casse Racing where Classic Empire is concerned. In that respect, the champion colt's lone timed move in advance of the June 10 Belmont Stakes (G1) was business as usual.

Epicharis and Belmont a Perfect Fit

By Steve Haskin
June 1, 2017
Triple Crown

If you want to get a bit more adventurous and take a shot on a horse who not only could win the Belmont, he could win in impressive fashion, then why not take a good hard look at the Japanese invader Epicharis.

Classic Empire Tops NTRA 3-Year-Old Poll

May 30, 2017
Industry Press Releases

With 11 days remaining before the 149th Belmont Stakes (G1), at Belmont Park, in Elmont, N.Y., the top-3-year-olds in the nation are in the final stages of preparation for the "Test of the Champion."

Always Dreaming Officially Ruled Out of Belmont Stakes

By Alicia Wincze Hughes
May 26, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Northeast Region

Always Dreaming, winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1), will bypass the June 10 Belmont Stakes (G1) as expected and be freshened for a summer campaign, Terry Finley of West Point Thoroughbreds confirmed May 26.

Classic Empire to Begin Belmont Training

By BloodHorse Staff
May 25, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Northeast Region, Kentucky

John Oxley's Classic Empire, who finished second in the May 20 Preakness Stakes (G1) by a head, is scheduled to begin preparations for the June 10 Belmont Stakes (G1) with a morning jog May 25 at Churchill Downs.

Classic Empire to Coolmore on Retirement

In a deal brokered by Justin Casse prior to the Triple Crown, champion 2-year-old male Classic Empire will enter stud at Coolmore's Ashford Stud when he's retired from racing.

Cloud Computing Leaves Pimlico, Others Thinking Belmont

By Jeremy Balan
May 21, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Northeast Region, Mid-Atlantic Region

With the glow of the sun pink on the horizon and most of the Pimlico Race Course stakes barn just beginning to rustle with activity, Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Cloud Computing departed from Baltimore to return to his Belmont Park home base May 21.

Post-Preakness Stakes News Update

By Claire Novak
May 21, 2017
Triple Crown

Claire Novak updates us on Cloud Computing, Classic Empire, Lookin At Lee, and more! Learn who is heading to the Belmont Stakes and when.

Preakness Stakes Wrap

By Claire Novak
May 20, 2017
Triple Crown

Claire Novak recaps the Preakness Stakes won by Cloud Computing.

Cloud Computing Wears Down Classic Empire in Preakness

By Jeremy Balan
May 20, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Mid-Atlantic Region

Cloud Computing moved alongside Classic Empire in the final sixteenth of the Preakness Stakes (G1) and just got his head in front at the wire. Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) winner Always Dreaming set the pace and finished eighth.

Always Dreaming, Classic Empire Class of Preakness

By Alicia Wincze Hughes
May 19, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Mid-Atlantic Region

Since Always Dreaming's Kentucky Derby triumph, there has been ample reason for both his camp and Classic Empire's to feel emboldened about the prospect of their horses throwing down something exceptional 14 days later.

Preakness News Update for May 19

By Claire Novak
May 19, 2017
Triple Crown

Claire Novak updates the news of the day, including trackwork for Derby winner Always Dreaming and Classic Empire, and the scratch of Noble Bird from the Pimlico Special.

Final Track Visit for Always Dreaming, Gunnevera Strong

By Ron Mitchell
May 19, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Mid-Atlantic Region

The half-moon was still high in the sky when Always Dreaming went to the track at Pimlico Race Course at 5:30 a.m. the morning of May 19, putting in his final exercise in preparation for the following day’s Preakness Stakes (G1).

Preakness: No Awaking From This Dream

By Steve Haskin
May 18, 2017
Triple Crown

If you enjoyed the Kentucky Derby dream, no sense waking up now. You might as well keep dreaming until you are jolted back to reality, if and when that ever occurs.

Litfin at Large: Favored Always Dreaming Tough to Beat

By Dave Litfin
May 18, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Handicapping, Mid-Atlantic Region

They're running 15 stakes worth a combined $3.7 million at Pimlico Race Course May 19 and 20, but in terms of weather, what a difference a day will make.

Will Classic Empire Turn the Tables in the Preakness?

J. Keeler Johnson handicaps the Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico.

Always Dreaming Ready to Roll, Multiplier Gallops

By Alicia Wincze Hughes
May 18, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Mid-Atlantic Region

Todd Pletcher is taking a cue from Always Dreaming in that he, like his high-energy charge, have about had it with the minutiae leading into the May 20 Preakness Stakes (G1) and are ready to just run the race.

Always Dreaming Draws Post 4 in Preakness

By Claire Novak
May 17, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Southwest Region, Mid-Atlantic Region

Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) winner Always Dreaming was assigned post 4 and installed as the 4-5 morning-line favorite May 17 at the post position draw for the May 20 Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course.

Fortnight Fortune: Preakness History Favors Derby Form

By Alicia Wincze Hughes
May 17, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Mid-Atlantic Region

While the short rest between the first two legs of the Triple Crown has been a popular lament over the years, the modern history of the Preakness Stakes reflects a trend that is actually most unkind to the oft-proclaimed "new shooters."

Always Dreaming Professional in Latest Gallop

By Alicia Wincze Hughes
May 17, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Mid-Atlantic Region

Always Dreaming turned in another strong 1 1/2-mile gallop over the Pimlico Race Course main track May 17 as he readies for his start in the May 20 Preakness Stakes (G1).,

Preakness Stakes: Trainer Mark Casse, on Classic Empire

By Ron Mitchell
May 17, 2017
Triple Crown

Mark Casse discusses Classic Empire's Kentucky Derby trip and his preparations for the upcoming Preakness

Always Dreaming More Composed in Early Morning Gallop

By Jeremy Balan
May 16, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Mid-Atlantic Region

As activity picked up at the Pimlico Race Course stakes barn May 16, Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) winner Always Dreaming went out earlier than normal for his daily exercise.

Always Dreaming Full of Energy in Pimlico Gallop

By Jeremy Balan
May 15, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Mid-Atlantic Region

After some calm, controlled training through his first week or so at Pimlico Race Course, Always Dreaming was back to his energetic, hard-to-handle self May 15 in Baltimore.

Always Dreaming 'Just Perfect' in Pimlico Gallop

By BloodHorse Staff
May 13, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Mid-Atlantic Region

Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) winner Always Dreaming resumed his regular training schedule for the May 20 Preakness Stakes (G1), galloping 1 1/4 miles over the sloppy sealed track at Pimlico Race Course May 13.

Lukas: Preakness is Right Path for Gunnevera

By BloodHorse Staff
May 12, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Kentucky, Mid-Atlantic Region

D. Wayne Lukas assured the connections of Gunnevera they made the right call in making plans to send the chestnut colt to Baltimore following his seventh-place finish in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1).

Always Dreaming Gallops Peacefully at Pimlico

By BloodHorse Staff
May 11, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Kentucky, Mid-Atlantic Region

Trainer Todd Pletcher gave a very positive review of Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) winner Always Dreaming after the colt galloped once around Pimlico Race Course May 11, in preparation for the May 20 Preakness Stakes (G1).

Always Dreaming Arrives at Pimlico Race Course

By BloodHorse Staff
May 9, 2017
Triple Crown, Kentucky, Mid-Atlantic Region

Always Dreaming, winner of the May 6 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1), departed Churchill Downs at 6:40 a.m. May 9 for the short ride to Louisville International Airport and a flight that would take him to Baltimore.

Always Dreaming Tops NTRA 3-Year Old Poll

May 8, 2017
Triple Crown, Industry Press Releases

Always Dreaming is the new leader in the NTRA 3-Year Old Poll, Arrogate remains first in Top Thoroughbred Poll

Classic Empire, Gunnevera Confirmed for Preakness

Classic Empire and Gunnevera, fourth- and seventh-place finishers respectively in the May 6 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1), will both head to the Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course May 20, their connections said May 8.

Always Dreaming in Good Order After Derby Triumph

By Alicia Wincze Hughes
May 7, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Kentucky

Trainer Todd Pletcher stated all was well with newly minted Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) winner Always Dreaming the morning after the colt's stirring triumph in the first leg of the Triple Crown.

Post Kentucky Derby News Update

By Claire Novak
May 7, 2017
Triple Crown

Claire Novak updates us on Kentucky Derby runners Always Dreaming, Lookin At Lee, Battle of Midway, Classic Empire, and more.

Always Dreaming True in Kentucky Derby Win

By Frank Angst
May 6, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Kentucky

Following a tracking trip under John Velazquez, Always Dreaming took command in the stretch to score a 2 3/4-length victory in the $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) May 6 at Churchill Downs.

Meet the 2017 Kentucky Derby Contenders

May 6, 2017
Triple Crown

BloodHorse takes you behind the scenes as 20 horses prepare for the race of their lives, the May 6 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1).

'Wide-Open' Derby Field Has Its Share of Class

By Alicia Wincze Hughes
May 5, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Kentucky

The term "wide-open" has been tossed about the Churchill Downs backstretch like a baseball of late whenever the connections of Kentucky Derby aspirants are asked about the complexion of this year's Run for the Roses.

Travis Stone Set for Third Derby Call

By Robert Yates
May 5, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Kentucky Oaks

It will be strictly business for Stone, 33, Churchill's track announcer since the 2015 spring/summer meeting.

Classic Empire Showcases the Best of Team Casse

By Alicia Wincze Hughes
May 4, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Kentucky

While the world may know the Casse barn for its work in campaigning two-time champion turf female Tepin, Classic Empire may be the poster boy for the resolve of the connections who say they want a Derby triumph above all prizes.

Kentucky Derby News Update for May 4

By Claire Novak
May 4, 2017
Triple Crown

Claire Novak reports on the activities of Kentucky Derby and Oaks contenders Girvin, Classic Empire, J Boys Echo, Sailor's Valentine, and more.

Roses Already for Two Sires with Derby Starters

By Eric Mitchell
May 3, 2017
Thoroughbred Breeding, Triple Crown, Kentucky

Two stallions represented in this year's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) already bear the mantle of Derby-winning sire. Their racing careers and their paths as stallions could not be more different.

Derby Favorite Classic Empire Draws Post 14

By Evan Hammonds
May 3, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Kentucky

John Oxley's Classic Empire was made the 4-1 morning-line favorite for the May 6 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) after drawing post 14.

Range of Experience Levels in 2017 Derby Hopefuls

By Frank Angst
May 2, 2017
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Kentucky

While Todd Pletcher acknowledges three starts going into this year's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) is not ideal for Patch, the Calumet Farm homebred has enough working in his favor that Pletcher believes he has earned his shot.

Connections

Trainer	Mark E. Casse
Jockey	Julien R. Leparoux
Owner	John C. Oxley
Breeder	Steven Nicholson & Brandi Nicholson

Pedigree

Classic Empire View Five-Cross Pedigree	Pioneerof the Nile	Empire Maker
		Star of Goshen
	Sambuca Classica	Cat Thief
		In Her Glory

Auction History

Sale / Hip	Type	Buyer	Consignor	Price
KEESEP2015 Hip 583	Yearling	John C. Oxley	Warrendale Sales, agent for Silver Fern Farm	$475,000

Search Horses

Trending Horses

Arrogate

Songbird

Princess Victoria

Irap

Tapwrit

Always Dreaming

Accelerate

Cool Catomine

Abel Tasman

Zenyatta

Classic Empire

Connections

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