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Classic Empire enters the 2017 Kentucky Derby as one of the favorites. He is one of the few horses in the field who was once seen as both a lock and a long shot to make the Derby. Classic Empire headed into the Arkansas Derby facing a must-win scenario to head to Churchill Downs. The horse did just that by finding the Winner's Circle to punch his ticket to the Derby. Classic Empire was an early Derby favorite after winning the Breeders’ Futurity in October 2016 at Keeneland. After that, it was a rocky road as the horse refused to train at times then battled a foot abscess which forced him to miss time. His performance at the Arkansas Derby has many thinking the horse can win the Kentucky Derby. John Oxley purchased Classic Empire for $475,000 at the Keeneland 2015 September Yearling Sale. The horse has been trained by Mark Casse and Julien Leparoux is the jockey heading into Churchill Downs. Click the arrow on the right side of the middle of the page to learn more about the 2017 Kentucky Derby favorite along with his trainer, jockey and owner. (Getty)
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Classic Empire: Meet the Horse, Jockey, Trainer & Owner