Classic Empire Could Make Holy Bull Start

Classic Empire, the winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and heavy favorite to earn the 2-year-old male championship title, took another significant step Monday morning on the path to possibly launching his 3-year-old campaign in the Holy Bull (G2) at Gulfstream Park Feb. 4.

Under exercise rider. E. J. Bowler, the son of Pioneerof the Nile worked five furlongs in 1:02.55 in company with 7-year-old and multiple graded stakes winner Kaigun at the Palm Meadows Training Center. 

Monday’s move was the second breeze of the year for John Oxley’s Classic Empire, whose status to run in the $350,000 Holy Bull continues to get the green light from trainer Mark Casse, was not on hand for the work, which was overseen by his son and assistant, Norman. 

“Norman was every enthusiastic about the breeze,” Casse said. “When you look at it from a time standpoint it is more about what he does after the breeze. He amazes us because you can’t get him tired. There’s been a lot of discussion about the Holy Bull between Mr. Oxley, Norman, and myself. I think we’re going to make it because I just think it’s good timing. I would say today is another step closer to the Holy Bull.” 

Classic Empire has won four of five starts. He captured the Bashford Manor (G3) at Churchill Downs and the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at Keeneland prior to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. 

Undeniably talented, Classic Empire also has another side to him, one that makes him somewhat of a challenge for his connections. One such example is when he left the starting gate in the Hopeful Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course, and wheeled and lost the rider.

“He’s a bit of a bad boy, there is no doubt about that,” Casse said with a chuckle. “I was talking to Mr. Oxley this morning and said to him, ‘He’s different than most horses. He’s absolutely brilliant, but what makes him so good, also makes his bad.’ The fact that he is tireless, makes him tough. Somebody the other day said he walks like a panther, and that’s what he does — he always ready to pounce.”

Casse hopeful Noble Bird Pegasus World Cup Invitational deal materializes: A day after Casse revealed he was fielding inquiries from Pegasus World Cup stakeholders to run Noble Bird in the $12 million race, the trainer said no agreement has been reached, but he’s hopeful one will emerge for the Jan. 28 race.

“We still have interest out there with people contacting us, but we haven’t done a deal yet,” Casse said Monday morning. “But I would be surprised if we don’t get something done. Obviously, there are a couple of superstars in there, and they are going to be very tough to beat, but if you look at the rest of the gang, I would say we probably have as good a shot, if not better, than most.”

The John Oxley-owned Noble Bird owns seven wins, four seconds and purse earnings of $1,069,945 from 20 lifetime starts. 

Kaigun Gears Up for Return to the Races: Kaigun, like his workmate, Classic Empire, is being prepared for his return to the races. The gelding has not run since finishing fourth in the Nijinsky (G2) at Woodbine in July. Last year at Gulfstream Park, the well-traveled Kaigun, who is owned in a partnership that includes Gary Barber and Casse’s wife, Tina, won the Pan American (G2).

“He hasn’t run in awhile, so I’m probably pointing him to an allowance race,” Casse said. “His form tailed off in the last couple of races, and I gave him some time. I would love to bring him back him back and give him a confidence booster. He’s a work or two away from running. I will look for a race in February.”

Source: Gulfstream Park