Trainer Mike Harrington said Thursday that the $750,000
CashCall Futurity December 17 could be the next start for Empire Way following
an auspicious debut Sunday.
“I was pretty impressed,” said Harrington from horseback on
the training track after Empire Way rallied to win in 1:17.93 for 6 ½ furlongs.
“He didn’t run very fast, but the way he did it was
impressive.
“He had been working behind horses,” added Harrington. “I
knew he could run, but I didn’t tell people he was going to win because he’s a
two-turn horse and I didn’t know if he’d get up at 6 ½ furlongs. But things set
up for him. Sometimes things just fall into place.”
By Empire Maker out of the A.P. Indy mare Delta Princess, Empire
Way is a full brother to Royal Delta, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Ladies
Classic and an overwhelming favorite to win the Eclipse Award as 3-year-old
filly champion. Empire Way was purchased for $250,000 at the Fasig Tipton
February sale for owner Heinz Steinmann.
Harrington also trains 2-year-old colt star Creative Cause,
winner of the Norfolk Stakes and third-place finisher in the Breeders’ Cup
Juvenile. Harrington said he has earned a vacation for the rest of the year.
Empire Maker began a big day with Empire Way. He is also the
sire of Charm the Maker, who won the $100,000 Sharp Cat Stakes for 2-year-old
fillies and earned a probable return in the Hollywood Starlet Stakes December
10 for trainer Ron McAnally.