Dr. Blute wins the Empire Classic Oct. 30 (Janet Garaguso)

By Ryan Martin – NYRA Press Office

OZONE PARK, N.Y.— Flanagan Racing’s Dr. Blute will try to wrap up the year by doubling up on stakes scores in Saturday’s $100,000 Alex M. Robb for New York-breds 3-year-old and upward going a one-turn mile at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Dr. Blute, a 4-year-old chestnut gelding by leading third-crop sire Not This Time, arrives off a sharp winning effort against fellow state-breds in the nine-furlong Empire Classic on October 30 at Belmont at the Big A for trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. Despite being fractious in the gate, Dr. Blute broke on top and led throughout, holding his advantage to a three-quarter length victory over late-closing Curlin’s Wisdom. The triumph came following a career-best 92 Beyer Speed Figure going the Alex M. Robb distance at allowance optional claiming level on September 18 at Belmont at the Big A which he won by 6 3/4 lengths.

Dr. Blute began his career with trainer John Kimmel, graduating by 5 3/4 lengths on debut in February 2021 in a local six-furlong maiden special weight. He had never gone past seven furlongs until joining Joseph, Jr.’s stable over the summer and stretched out to one mile out of the Spa’s Wilson Chute, finishing a narrow second to dual stakes-placed Best Idea.

“He always had speed. I think the extended distance and stretching him out helped him use his speed in a better manner,” Joseph, Jr. said. “Instead of going 22 [seconds] and 45, he’s able to go 23 and 47. He’s able to save a little more so the distance is definitely key to helping him improve.”

Bred in the Empire State by Hidden Lake Farm and Axle Ahlschwede, Dr. Blute is out of the Friends Lake mare Truss, who is a half-sister to graded stakes winner Khancord Kid – the dam of 2017 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint winner Bar of Gold.

Edgard Zayas will pilot Dr. Blute from post 8.