Classic Empire’s Crown Imperial Wins Untapable

Second last out in the Listed Bolton Landing Stakes, 4 G Racing’s homebred Crown Imperial (2f Classic Empire x Mi Fiori, by Congrats) went one better in Wednesday’s Untapable Stakes at Kentucky Downs.

The John Alexnader Ortiz-trained filly raced nearly last in the 6 ½ furlong turf race over five lengths behind the leader for much of the race. It wasn’t until just outside the final quarter that she started working her way through the pack to close that ground so she was close to the front by the time running got serious in the stretch.

The final furlong saw Crown Imperial surge away from the field to win by 1 ¼ lengths to take her record to two wins and three other on-the-board finishes in five starts for $374,450 in earnings.

Crown Imperial Is the first foal out of the four-time winning Congrats mare Mi Fiori, who is a half-sister to the Grade III winning Gucci Factor and stakes placed Ichiban Warrior. Another half-sibling finished fourth in a stakes race as well.

A family that has 26 stakes winners under Crown Imperial’s first four dams, the page includes Grade I winners Montreal Red and Rose’s Cantina.

Classic Empire is the sire of five stakes winners in 2023 with the eight stakes performers led by Grade I winner Angel of Empire.