Classiness Second Winner for Classic Empire

It was a second winner for Classic Empire on Monday when Classiness (2f Classic Empire x Happy Motoring, by Harlan’s Holiday) won by 1 ¼ lengths at Churchill Downs on debut.

Racing over five furlongs on the dirt, the filly broke a step slow and was the last into stride but as the field spread out in the first furlong, she was just behind the leaders. Giving up her rail spot, Classiness swung to the outside as they rounded the turn and soon had the lead.

The filly galloped away from the leaders and was never asked for her best as she galloped home comfortably with 1 ¼ lengths in hand.

Trained by Jason Barkley for Franklin Ave Equine, Cliff Racing, and Kueber Racing, the filly was bred by Dr. Hiram Polk and Dr. Sudan Galandiuk in Kentucky.

Classiness is the second winner from two to race out of Happy Motoring. That mare is a half-sister to Grade I winner Regally Ready and Grade III winner Sir Truebadour. Her own dam, the stakes-placed Kivi is also a half-sister to three stakes performers with one of her winning siblings the dam of Grade II winner Ekati’s Phaeton.

A Champion 2-Year-Old himself, Classic Empire now has two winners from three to race.