A QUICK CLARK LOOK-SEE
What’s better than my Great Granny’s white bread stuffing…well… probably nothing…but the Clark Handicap is pretty dog gone close.
This half-million dollar drive over the Churchill Downs dirt on the Friday after Thanksgiving has long been a staple of the sports calendar. As the feature event of the Fall meet run beneath the twin spires, this race has been contested for 144 consecutive years. That means this event has ben around longer than cousin Mudcat’s moonshine recipe. Let’s take a look at the entrants for the mile and an eighth grade one event and get a thought on each.
Prime Attraction- Has been winless in 2018 but all six starts have come against graded stakes company with 2 seconds and 2 thirds. Son of Unbridled’s Song could certainly get a piece of the pumpkin pie.
Hence-Steve Asmussen trained four-year old has two wins in his last four starts but is 0 for 3 lifetime at Churchill. Was fourth in last start behind a couple of the runners here.
Seeking the Soul-Won the Clark last year in impressive fashion and returns in top form. Last two starts came at Churchill and produced a win (Ack-Ack) and a second (Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile). Seconds from the grade 1 dish can be tough to come by this time of year, but he deserves a seat at the big table.
Hawaakom-The old man of the bunch, this eight-year old is like aged whiskey, dangerous if you take it for granted. Son of Jazil has not won since February, but always seems to be there at the end and likes Churchill.
Leofric- Four wins, a second, and a third in six starts this year means this Brad Cox trainee is a top contender here. His pappy, Candy Ride, was a real talent and this five-year old might get his first grade 1 win here.
Bravazo-Hard-knocking colt that competed in all three Triple Crown races this year. Late run in the Preakness almost spoiled the party for Justify and his conditioner (D. Wayne Lukas) won the Clark in 2013 (Will Take Charge) with a similar type runner.
Storm Advisory-Experience six-year old has 50 starts in his career which is pretty amazing in this day and time. Has won his last two starts but that was in Allowance company. One of those wins, however, was at Churchill.
Sightforsoreeyes- In 26 lifetime starts he has only been in 1 graded stakes race before now (4th in Vosburgh). Won his last race (Allowance) so hey, why not take a shot at the half mill???
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