View From The Booth by @WoodbineGeller

Despite being slow off the mark, the Mark Casse trained first-time starter Power Empire caught the eye with her late closing third behind two talented 2YOs in Avies Mineshaft and Loopety Loo. A 2YO filly by Empire Maker bred by Yasushi Rolaruda, Power Empire got within two and a quarter lengths of the top pair after having remained in the final pair of runners for almost three quarters of the 1m 70yd journey. Tackling a route in a debut against more seasoned runners is never an easy feat so it is not unreasonable to expect significant progression next out. The silks of owner Gary Barber continue to fly high at the meet and Power Empire appeals as an up and coming filly in a rather salty division.

Off his dominant debut score on the grass, Admiralty Pier was thrown into the deep end next out in the Grade 2 one mile Summer Stakes against some proven shippers and ran a gutsy third. With the winner, Untamed Domain and runner-up Hemp Hemp Hooray Breeders Cup Juvenile-bound, doesn’t that suggest that Admiralty Pier is sitting pretty for a local stakes tilt next time out? He will most likely have to again contend with Count Alexander who finished just three parts of a length away in fourth if he does. With Admiralty Pier, there is a decent amount of tactical speed thrown into the mix, having tracked handily in the top flight throughout, competitive the length of the stretch. By English Channel from a Kittens Joy dam, Admiralty Pier boasts immaculate turf pedigree and trainer Barbara Minshall must be delighted with his progress. The 2YO appears to be a key play when he next steps out on the E. P. Taylor Turf course.