‘Angel of Empire will win the Kentucky Derby,’ says horse racing expert

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As Saturday’s Kentucky Derby draws closer, one horse that has caught the attention of racing enthusiasts and experts alike is ‘The Pride of Pennsylvania’, Angel of Empire (8/1). There are several reasons why the son of Classic Empire is a strong contender to win the coveted race so we consulted a horse racing expert to break down his chances.

One of the key factors that make Angel of Empire a top contender are his recent performances leading up to the Kentucky Derby. He won the Grade 2 Risen Star and followed it up with a dominant victory in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby, a race his sire, Classic Empire, won in 2017 before finishing fourth in the Kentucky Derby and second in the Preakness Stakes at his next two runs.

According to Nick Slade, a horse racing expert from Dimers.com, “Angel of Empire’s recent performances have been very impressive, especially his win in the Arkansas Derby. The fact that his sire, Classic Empire, won the Arkansas Derby in 2017 adds a further layer of significance to his achievements and, at 8/1 odds, I really like him.”

The polish of trainer Brad Cox has been evident with Angel of Empire this season. The horse has steadily improved as he has stepped up in distance -- an encouraging sign ahead of the 1 1/4m Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday.

As Slade notes, “Angel of Empire’s stamina and late speed are going to come into play on Saturday. As his rivals begin to wilt, I expect this horse to pounce and close harder than anything else in the race.”

Angel of Empire’s breeding is the key factor that makes him a top contender for Saturday’s Derby, and this impressive lineage has certainly contributed to his success on the racetrack to date.

As Slade points out, “His sire Classic Empire was himself an elite 3 year old, while the dam, Armony’s Angel, is a daughter of multiple Grade 1 winner To Honor and Serve, so he certainly has the right genetics to come out on top in the run for the roses.”

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Angel of Empire’s connection to Pennsylvania also makes him a sentimental favorite for many racing fans in the state. He was bred in Pennsylvania and has become a source of pride for many in the racing community.

“He has quickly become a symbol of the state’s racing industry and a source of pride for many people in the area. It’s always exciting to see a local horse do well on the national stage, and I think that adds to the excitement surrounding his Kentucky Derby campaign,” Slade noted.

While there are no guarantees in horse racing, Angel of Empire’s recent performances, versatility, breeding, and connection to Pennsylvania make him the only horse Pennsylvanians should consider if they wish to bet on the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

And, if he can win on Saturday, there’s a good chance we will see ‘The Pride of Pennsylvania’ chase Triple Crown glory and tackle the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes in the coming months.

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A California native with a writing background, Mac Douglass covers professional and collegiate sports, and is an expert on the sports betting industry, with thousands of sports betting related articles to his name. Having lived in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Melbourne, Australia, Mac has a broad knowledge of American and international sports, and specializes in the NBA, NFL, Formula 1, and professional tennis.