Twenty Four Mamba Dominant Winner for Classic Empire

Classic Empire’s reign moved north of the border on Sunday when he saw son Twenty Four Mamba (2c Classic Empire x Oh Maybe Baby, by Harlan’s Holiday) score a dominant Maiden Special Weight victory at Woodbine.

The juvenile colt raced near the back of the pack in the five furlong all weather race, and spent the early furlongs on the rail but was piloted to the center of the track for the stretch run.

Jockey Rafael Hernandez urged him on down the stretch and once he was in gear, it was clear the colt would be hard to beat. Twenty Four Mamba rolled by the tiring leaders late in the stretch and spent the final furlong pulling away to win by 5 ¼ lengths with the third place runner over six lengths behind.

Trained by Mark Casse for Gary Barber, Twenty Four Mamba was bred by Respite Farm.

He is the first foal out of a half-sister to Tale of the Cat’s stakes winner and Grade 1-placed Enchanting Lady. His fourth dam is Grade I winner Corrazona, with others in the family including Grade I-placed Chewing Gum and Billy Batts.

Twenty Four Mamba is the fifth winner for Classic Empire, who has seen all five of his winners come at Churchill Downs, Belmont Park, and Woodbine.