Spooky Express Sports Betting News & More

Empire Classic Betting Preview

October 29, 2023



In Elmont, New York, at Belmont Park, an exciting prospect awaits eager bettors during the upcoming 2023 Empire Classic. As the 10th race of the day, this event features 10 top-tier horses competing for a share of the $250,000 prize.


  • Date / Track: 10/29/2023 Belmont Park

  • Post Time: 5:24 PM ET

  • Distance: 1 ? miles (dirt)

  • Purse: $250,000

Empire Classic Betting Preview

The Empire Classic will showcase 10 horses in the field for a chance for victory. Some have great momentum heading into this, while others are looking to get back near the winner circle.

For example, three of the horses have recent wins under their belt from their last event. However, just four total have placed in the top three from their latest race, offering a slightly smaller field to look at.

Horses with Best Chance to Win

The 2023 Empire Classic shows 10 horses that have various chances of success to win. You could look to utilize an exacta or trifecta wager depending on your betting method. Below are some options to consider for those bets.

Straight Arrow 4-1

Straight Arrow has accumulated three wins and a runner-up in six starts this season, making him a solid threat to any horse that has not been consistent. He is coming off of an Aqueduct Allowance (10/15) win, with arguably the best momentum among the field. A good jump out of the gate could prove to be the difference in winning or placing top three.

Sheriff Bianco 5-1

Sheriff Bianco has had an active season so far, with a win, six runner-ups, and three third place finishes in 12 events so far. His recent performance was a fourth place finish at the Vosburgh G2 event, which is the toughest event recently compared to what the field has battled in. His career totals now show six wins, 11 runner-ups, and five third place finishes in 27 events.

Odds, Series Trends and Free Pick

MyBookie offers the odds for 2023 Empire Classic, with plenty of compelling options to choose from. Depending on your betting strategy, you could look to mix and match various horses in different wagers.


  • Curlin’s Wisdom: 10-1

  • Aggregation: 6-1

  • Lobsta: 15-1

  • Olympic Dreams: 5-1

  • Barese: 12-1

  • Drake’s Passage: 3-1

  • Sheriff Bianco: 5-1

  • Un Ojo: 10-1

  • Cicciobello: 30-1

  • Straight Arrow: 4-1

Drake’s Passage 3-1

Drake’s Passage has had a much improved season from a year ago. He now has two wins and a third place finish in three events this season.

He is coming off of a third place finish at the Aqueduct Allowance at the beginning of October. He now has three wins and two third place finishes in six career events. This should be a great opportunity with solid momentum behind him.

Spooky Express Pick: Drake’s Passage at 3-1