Clark Stakes Provides Black Friday Treat At Churchill Downs

The day after Thanksgiving has significance for more than a few reasons. Seeing the sun come up means you have survived the family onslaught from the day before and you didn’t go to jail for wanting to strangle Uncle Cletus and Cousin Joe Bob. It also kicks off the official Christmas season for shoppers with some luring bait and switch sales. But most importantly, for the 151^st consecutive year, the Clark Stakes will be run at Churchill Downs.

Since this glorious Thoroughbred racing oval opened in Louisville, Kentucky back in 1875, three races have been contested every year. The Kentucky Oaks, the Kentucky Derby, are already in the books for 2025, and now it is time for the Clark. A grade 2 event carrying a purse of $600,000, this mile and an eighth run over the Downs dirt is for three-year olds and up and has been the centerpiece of the fall meet since its inception. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the field with a thought on each runner. The entrants will be listed by post position with trainer, jockey and morning line.

1 Cooke Creek (Mike Maker, Francisco Arietta 12-1)- Was sixth in this race a year ago but comes in off a Stakes win at this distance at Delaware Park. Might be the pace setter from the rail draw which could set things up for other runners. Six wins in twenty six lifetime starts for this son of Uncle Mo and don’t think number seven comes here.

2 First Mission (Brad Cox, Flavien Prat 5-1)-Twelve of fifteen lifetime starts have been in Stakes company so this son of Street Sense is battle tested. Won the Oaklawn Handicap back in April but has not visited winner’s circle since. In the money in four of five starts this year. A horse to have in your superfecta for sure.

3 Hit Show (Brad Cox, Irad Ortiz Jr. 3-1)- Son of Candy Ride has four wins in seven starts this year including the Dubai World Cup in early April and the Hagyard Fayette at Keeneland in his last start on October 25. Always comes with a big run down the lane so if he is in the race early watch out. The one to beat here.

4 Gosger (Brendan Walsh, Luis Saez 4-1)- Three-year-old son of Nyquist that has a lot of run. Been in the money in six of seven lifetime starts with two wins. Should be on or near the lead early but question is, can he hold off the older closers that run late. Play him in your superfecta for sure.

5 Chunk of Gold (Ethan West, Junior Alvarado 10-1)- This might be the wise guy horse of the group. Has won two of his last three races and has been in the money in eight of nine lifetime starts. His only off the board finish was a ninth in the 2025 Kentucky Derby. Looks like the price play here. Should be on or near the lead and worth an across the board bet for sure.

6 Rattle N Roll (Ken McPeek, Brian Hernandez Jr. 7-2)- The defending champ is back and comes in off a fast closing second in the Hagyard Fayette at Keeneland in his last start on October 25. It is always tough to win graded stakes and even tougher to repeat, but four of his ten lifetime wins have come beneath the twin spires…hmmmm. He should be there at the end so play him in your exotic wagers.

7 Who Dey (Tom Drury, Luan Machado 30-1)- Ohio-bred son of Liam’s Map has won eight of thirteen lifetime starts and been in the top three eleven times. The water is a lot deeper here, but he does have a win over the Churchill dirt on his resume.

8 Willy D’s (Mike Maker, Tyler Gafflione 12-1)- Son of Lookin’ At Lucky has two wins this year and has been in the money in six of eight starts. Jockey makes him worth a look but not sure he has the goods to get it done here.

9 Magnitude (Steve Asmussen, Jose Ortiz 9-2)- After winning the Risen Star Stakes in February this son of Not This Time was one of the top Kentucky Derby contenders. Injury sidelined him until July when he romped in the Iowa Derby. Stepped up to finish third in the Travers and second in Pennsylvania Derby. First start against older horses but has talent for sure. Needs to go early from his outside draw.