First-time starter Empire Way grabbed the "TDN Rising Star" tag with an "easier than it looked" half-length victory at Hollywood Park on Nov. 13. Woods consigned and sold the 2-year-old colt at Palm Meadows at the Fasig-Tipton Florida Sale in March of this year. The juvenile went for $250,000 to Mikel Harrington, agent.

Coming from last in a field of five, Empire Way inhaled the front-runners under a hand ride from Joel Rosario to get the 6 1/2-furlongs in 1:17.93.

Empire Way, by Empire Maker out of Delta Princess, is a full brother to Royal Delta, winner of the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (G1) on Nov. 4 at Churchill Downs. Delta Princess won $740,918 in her career, capturing the Beaugay H. (G3), Mint Julep H. (G3), and Locust Grove H. (G3). She is a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Indy Five Hundred.

Empire Way was bred in Kentucky by Palides Investments NV Inc. and is owned by Heinz Steinmann.