Casse-trained Classic Empire to run in $1-million Arkansas Derby on Saturday
Mark Casse’s path to the Kentucky Derby with Classic Empire has been a difficult one.
The veteran trainer was hoping the champion three-year-old colt would run in three prep races leading up to the Derby on May 6. But Classic Empire was third in his only start of the season and last month required treatment for a back injury Casse figures was caused by a foot abscess the horse developed following a Feb. 4 race.
The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner and last year’s top two-year-old North American thoroughbred will run Saturday in the US$1-million Arkansas Derby. Despite the setbacks, Casse, eight times Canada’s top trainer, believes Classic Empire is fit enough to win the Grade 1 1 1/8-mile race on dirt at Oaklawn Park.
“If you told me a month ago we could be where we are right now I would’ve happily taken it,” Casse said during a conference call Tuesday. “It’s been a tough road but luckily the last month has went very well.