Empire of War, third to Aurelius Maximus in Sept. 9 maiden race on dirt here, just went gate to wire in turf debut to win his maiden for Todd Pletcher and Three Diamonds Farm.

Terrific job by Manny Franco to get Emprire of War from post 11 to the inside of the Widener Turf Course. It does seem like the turf is drying out.

Empire of War, a son of Declaration of War, covered 1 1-16 miles in 1:45.27 and returned $8 as the 3-1 fave.

Hubba Bubba, the second choice at 3-1, finished last and was vanned off. He did walk onto the equine ambulance and didn't look to be too much in distress.