Classic Empire Paddock

Mariah’s Fortune Impresses At Oaklawn

The Steve Landers-owned Mariah’s Fortune (2f Classic Empire x Femmen’fortune, by Giant’s Causeway) dominated an Oaklawn Park Maiden Special Weight on Friday to become the 20th winner for Classic Empire.

The filly was content to race in second for much of the 1 1/16 mile race as Most Empressive opened a few lengths on the field with the third place runner a few lengths behind the winner. Florent Geroux moved her closer around the turn and Mariah’s Fortune was soon challenging for the lead.

She proved much too good for anyone else in the field, stretching her margin throughout the lane to win by eight lengths with the third placed runner 18 ½ lengths behind her.

Trained by Brad Cox, Mariah’s Fortune has never finished worse than third in her career. She was a $160,000 2-year-old purchase by her racing owner in April and made her racing debut in July.

The first foal out of a mare by the late, great Giant’s Causeway, Edwin Hernandez-bred Mariah’s Fortune is a granddaughter of Traveling Alone. The dam of five winners from eight to race, Traveling Alone is also a half-sister to multiple Grade I winner Union Rags and to the dam of champion Declaration of War.

Femmen’fortune also has an Uncle Mo yearling colt in the pipeline.

Fourth on the Freshman Sires list by earnings, Classic Empire’s first runners include five stakes performers and two stakes winners.