Empire Classic victor Mr. Buff possible for Churchill's Clark

Chester and Mary Broman's 17.2 hands-tall Mr. Buff muscled his way to the lead and showed strength and determination to fend off the late charge of diminutive Dynamax Prime to capture Saturday's $300,000 Empire Classic by a length on Empire Showcase Day at Belmont Park.

Mr. Buff, under Junior Alvarado, commanded the lead in the nine-furlong event from early pacesetter Not That Brady and, despite not switching leads, enjoyed a comfortable win.

"He made that early move at the five-eighths pole and shot through there. My only criticism is I wish he had got on his outside lead turning for home," said Kimmel. "In these one-turn races he has a tendency not to switch over, whereas in the two-turn races he gets in on one lead and out on the other. Junior said he won with plenty in reserve."

Kimmel said the Grade 1, $600,000 Clark, a nine-furlong handicap set for November 29 at Churchill Downs could be next for Mr. Buff.

"He's come out of the race great," said Kimmel. "I'd like to try something different next like the Clark, a two-turn mile and an eighth race."