Angel of Empire is one of three entries for trainer Brad Cox, who is seeking his second Belmont Stakes score after saddling dual Eclipse Award-winner Essential Quality in 2021.
Owned by Albaugh Family Stable, Angel of Empire earned a field-best 104 Beyer in the Kentucky Derby when launching a seven-wide move at the top of the lane and making up ground in the stretch drive to finish third, 1 1/2 lengths behind Mage. Following the scratch of Forte, the son of Classic Empire was made the lukewarm favorite and entered off victories in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby on April 1 at Oaklawn Park and the Grade 2 Risen Star on February 18 at Fair Grounds Race Course.
Angel of Empire will add blinkers for the Belmont Stakes.