Empire Way

[hockey2315]

He's going to be a serious force on the Derby trail. He wants no part of 6 1/2f.

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by hockey2315

He's going to be a serious force on the Derby trail. He wants no part of 6 1/2f.

That's what they said about Dialed In last year around this time. Of course, he was a force up until the actual Classics.

[dino]

John White touted this horse a month ago. He's bred to run all day so winning at 6 1/2 could mean he has some real talent.

[hockey2315]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

That's what they said about Dialed In last year around this time. Of course, he was a force up until the actual Classics.

Apt comparison.

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by hockey2315

Apt comparison.

Don't get me wrong. I'm just pointing out the parallels between two route-type horses who won sprint debuts impressively late in their two year old season. I anticipate that Empire Way will incite just as much enthusiasm as Dialed In did last year at this time.

However, the comparison ends there. Empire Way has clearly proven today that he is much better than this year's Florida Derby winner.

[hockey2315]

I still don't really see the parallels. Their debuts were very different. Obviously Empire Way needs to run way faster if he's going to be competitive in real races. . . if he turns out to be a one turn horse, he won't be anything special at all.

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by hockey2315

Obviously Empire Way needs to run way faster if he's going to be competitive in real races. . . if he turns out to be a one turn horse, he won't be anything special at all.

This is nearly the complete antithesis to your first post. Thanks, I'll get off the merry-go-round here.

[hockey2315]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

This is nearly the complete antithesis to your first post. Thanks, I'll get off the merry-go-round here.

My point is that if you think he's really a one-turn horse, then he's in trouble. I, however, don't think he is. . . at all.

[Calzone Lord]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

That's what they said about Dialed In last year around this time. Of course, he was a force up until the actual Classics.

Dialed In as a 2yo would have destroyed Empire Way at 6.5 furlongs.

[10 pnt move up]

I am sure the figure is mechanically correct but not sure its representative of the horses ability, I know that Sadler thought highly of the runner up, and maybe they all just suck but given these guys have had some decent horses you would imagine they would not think so highly of horses barely capable of winning a 4 year old and up mdn claimer 10k at turf paradise.

[Calzone Lord]

Originally Posted by 10 pnt move up

I am sure the figure is mechanically correct but not sure its representative of the horses ability,

One race prior: A $32,000 claiming race for older males at the exact same distance went 32 full points faster

One race after: A filly shipping in from Los Al wins a weak $8,000 claiming sprint for females in upset fashion with a time that equals just 3 points lower than Empire Way.


There are no smoke and mirrors with the number -- if you think it should have been a 76 instead of a 65... suddenly that 32K claiming winner also gets bumped up 11 and gets a figure as fast as the Breeders Cup Sprint winner.

Mechanically correct? -- unquestionably. The whole day seems very cut and dry.

Any first-time starter can improve with a race. Sadler's Sidney's Candy improved a gigantic amount from start one to two.

Obviously, the super slow winner did close into a slow pace and is a lock to prefer more ground. If his sister wasn't Royal Delta -- no one would care -- and as far as debuts go ... Royal Delta's was a pole better.

[Indian Charlie]

On to the HP Futurity for Empire Way.

http://www.drf.com/news/hollywood-pa...ter-maiden-win

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by Calzone Lord

One race prior: A $32,000 claiming race for older males at the exact same distance went 32 full points faster

One thing that hasn't been mentioned, and perhaps has no relevance, is who the winner of that $32k claimer was.

Wall Street Wonder, only a year or two ago, was rattling off triple digit Beyers in NY running in graded stakes. He's an in-and-outer now, but it seems when he's "on" that he's capable of uncorking a strong performance, maybe better than your average $32k plater.

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by Calzone Lord

Dialed In as a 2yo would have destroyed Empire Way at 6.5 furlongs.

No argument from me, I was only speculating on the hype factor for Empire Way this winter rather than comparing them outright. Both won 6.5f maiden races in their respective debuts impressively (at least visually). Both have very good pedigrees top and bottom.

Dialed In followed through somewhat, as he ended up favorite for the Kentucky Derby.