CLASSY EMPIRE (3) was responsible for a solid effort last time out when second in Listed grade at Remington Park (Dirt) over 1609m, beaten 0.3 lengths. Should be at his peak now. Is going well this campaign, recording a win and a minor placing from three starts. Should prove tough to beat. WITHOUT A TRACE (4) showed good early dash at the first run after a spell last time out and led for most of the way before being claimed and finishing half a length away in second over 1673m at Sam Houston Park (Dirt). Sure to give a sight. TEXAS HOLDEM (8) was below his best last time, finishing tenth and beaten 17 lengths over 1609m at Oaklawn Park (Dirt). Nicely placed to turn things around. OKIE CLIPPER (6) is a distance specialist who improved sharply last time out to score by 8 lengths over 1609m at this track (Dirt) three weeks ago. Suitably placed so anticipating another big run.