Haynesfield wins Belmont's Empire Classic
October 22, 2011NEW YORK (AP) - Haynesfield held off Green Monster by a length on Saturday in the $200,000 Empire Classic, the richest race on the Belmont Park card devoted exclusively to New York breds.
Haynesfield, the 2009 Empire Classic winner, posted his first win of the season, improving to 10 for 18 overall. Ramon Dominguez was aboard for trainer Steve Asmussen as the 5-year-old ran the 1 1-8 miles in 1:49.08 on the fast track.
The 4-5 favorite, Haynesfield paid $3.70, $3 and $2.30. Green Monster returned $6.90 and $4.50. Johannesburg Smile paid $3.10 to show.
In other stakes, Risky Rachel, $7.50, posted her third win in four starts this year in the $125,000 Iroquois for filly and mare sprinters.
Night Maneuver, part of a four-horse entry, won the $100,000 Bertram Bongard for 2-year-olds, paying $4.60.
General Maximus, $10.40, scored a repeat win in the $125,000 Hudson for sprinters.
Bellacourt, $20, was the upset winner of the $100,000 Joseph Gimma for 2-year-old fillies.
Hessonite, $7.50, took the $125,000 Ticonderoga for fillies and mares on the turf.