Ottoman Empire Gives Classic Empire Third Churchill Winner

It was a third winner for Classic Empire on Sunday when Ottoman Empire (2c Classic Empire x Seven Stars, by Indigo Shiner) also became his sire’s third winner at Churchill Downs.

Making his debut over five furlongs in the Maiden Special Weight, Ottoman Empire raced in the middle of a large group of horses in midpack. The leader broke away from the field and had a few lengths on them as they turned into the stretch with Ottoman Empire having plenty to do if he was going to win from his position.

The colt got down to work under James Graham and found another gear late to take command and win by a length for trainer Tom Amoss.

Owned by Greg Tramontin, Ottoman Empire was a $120,000 purchase by Lauren Carlisle from Taylor Made at Keeneland September. Bred by Pedro Gonzales and Lenny Cohen, the colt is out of three-time winner Seven Stars.

That mare is a half-sister to Grade III-placed Great Point and to the dams of stakes winners Storm Fighter and Franz. Ottoman Empire’s third dam is the stakes winning Drina, who is also the dam of two-time Grade I winner and stakes producer Spain, Grade II winner Puerto Banus, and Grade III winner Fantastic Spain.

Another stakes winning daughter is the granddam of Uncle Mo’s stakes winner Thrilled and Japanese Group I-placed Cravache d’Or.

Classic Empire’s three winners this year ties him for second among all North American freshmen alongside Practical Joke with only stablemate Caravaggio in front of them.