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Classic Empire: Meet the Horse, Jockey, Trainer & Owner

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Horse: Classic Empire

Bio: Classic Empire was an early Derby favorite until he was not. The horse missed time during prep season with a foot abscess. He headed into the Arkansas Derby needing a strong finish to qualify for the Kentucky Derby. Classic Empire did just that by winning the Arkansas Derby. The horse has five victories since last May making his third place finish in the Holy Bull look like an outlier. According to America's Best Racing, the horse has earned $2,120,220 over his career. Classic Empire has earned $634,300 in 2017 heading into the Derby. The horse was born in Kentucky making a potential Derby win even more special. Classic Empire is the son of Pioneerof the Nile and Sambuca Classica. Steve and Brandi Nicholson are the breeders responsible for Classic Empire. Despite entering the Kentucky Derby as the favorite, he enters the race with plenty of questions after spurts of refusing to train combined with his recent injuries. (Getty)

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Classic Empire enters the Kentucky Derby as one of the favorites. Learn more about the horse, jockey Julien Leparoux, trainer Mark Casse and owner John Oxley.