Awesome Taylor Scores Oaklawn Maiden Victory

Awesome Taylor (3f Classic Empire x My California, by Calimonco) started the year off right with a Maiden Special Weight victory at Oaklawn Park on Friday to become the newest winner for Classic Empire.

The Rene Amescua-trained filly was content to race in midpack as a pacesetter opened multiple lengths on the field in the one-mile race. Swinging wide in the turn, Awesome Taylor put herself in contention for the victory and started her work.

She didn’t take the lead until the end of the race but was good enough to build up a three-quarters of a margin before they hit the line.

The filly was purchased by racing owner Rockingham Ranch as a yearling from the Burleson Farms consignment at Keeneland September. She was bred by Mercedes Stables out of the stakes-placed mare My California.

My California is also a half-sister to Grade I Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf second Best Performance and out of a half-sister to Grade III Oklahoma Derby winner Broadway Empire.

Awesome Taylor was the second winner in two days for Classic Empire after Durango Jess won at Sam Houston on Thursday.