New York Showcase Features Field of Nine in $300,000 Empire Classic

Saratoga Snacks has been tabbed as the morning line favorite at odds of 3-1 for trainer and owner Gary Sciacca. A six-year-old son of Tale of the Cat, he is a nine time career winner and a multiple stakes winner. This will be his fourth appearance in the Empire Classic – he was second in2012, won the race in 2013 and was fourth last year. He was second in the Evan Shipman Stakes last time out and will have John Velazquez aboard from post position three.

Royal Posse looking for third straight victory

Second choice at morning line odds of 7-2 is Royal Posse, one of two horses in the race for trainer Rudy Rodriguez. A four-year-old son of Posse, the bay gelding is a five time winner and will be trying for his third consecutive victory. After winning an optional claiming race at Saratoga, he stepped up successfully to stakes competition and won the Evan Shipman Stakes. Javier Castellano will be in the irons and they will break from post five.

Stakes debut for consistent Beyond Empire

Also in the field at morning line odds of 10-1 is Beyond Empire for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. A five-year-old son of Empire Maker, the bay gelding has been on the board in ten of his sixteen starts and will be trying to earn his first stakes victory. Since returning from Dubai in June, he has been on the board in his last four starts and will be stepping up to a stakes race for the first time. Irad Ortiz, Jr. will be aboard and they will break from post two.