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Hello, welcome to Billy Ho Sports! I’m a horse racing content creator specializing in The Kentucky Derby & Triple Crown series. Additionally, I cover all major stakes races throughout the year. Today, I’m excited to preview the G2 Clark Stakes at my home course, Churchill Downs. This year’s event is not a Handicap, but a Stakes. This race is particularly intriguing as it’s scheduled for Black Friday this week, and I’m keen on finding some value!
The Clark Stakes (G2) holds a rich history, having been inaugurated in 1875. It stands as a significant event on the fall racing calendar. This renowned race spans a distance of 1 1/8 miles and unfolds at the iconic Churchill Downs. Taking place on the day after Thanksgiving, it adds an extra layer of excitement to the holiday weekend. The race is aptly named in honor of Col. M. Lewis Clark, the visionary founder of the Louisville Jockey Club, responsible for the construction of Churchill Downs.
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Ranking The Contenders
Brad Cox’s First Mission comes into the Clark Stakes boasting an impressive 3-race win streak, highlighted by a victory in the G3 Lexington Stakes. Initially intended for the Preakness Stakes, he was withdrawn from the competition due to a left hind issue that could not be identified by the on-site veterinarians at Pimlico. Fast forward six months to October 14th at Keeneland, where First Mission emerged victorious, despite being blocked behind rivals entering the stretch. The one to beat.
Straight Arrow, under the training of Michael Dini, has been in impressive form recently, securing back-to-back victories. Notably, his first taste of stakes success came in the Empire Classic on October 29th at Belmont at the Big A. The big gray gelding delivered an impressive stalking effort, closing ground into the turn & by the time they hit the stretch he’d taken command. From there it was easy street to victory on the sloppy sealed track. This one is one to keep an eye out on the tote board.
Antonio Sano trains Il Miracolo. This Gun runner progeny has had a busy career with 15 starts as a 3 yr old & racing in every month going back to September 2022. He’s been an ATM Machine hitting the board 9 times with 3 wins, including the G3 Smarty Jones at Parx. One to include in exotics.
Todd Pletcher is entering his back to back winner Gasoline coming off a huge win November 4th at Churchill Downs by more than 5 lengths. He earned a monster 112 Equibase speed rating. This son of Curlin has no stakes experience, but going off that huge effort, I can see the jump in class. a definite contender.
Vicky Oliver’s 4 yr old Trademark is also entered this week. He recently ran in the Fayette Stakes at Keeneland along with a few other rivals in this race. He didn’t fare well at all finishing 7th, a well beaten 13 lengths. Previous to that Trademark was on a roll with a win, two seconds & a third in his last four. Possible value play.
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Looking For Some Value?
Film Star is trained by Linda Rice. This one went 9 straight races finishing 1st or 2nd until a 4th place finish in the G2 Forty Niner Stakes at Belmont at the Big A on October 28th. That race was run at a mile & he was unable to close any ground in the stretch. His Previous effort puts him square in the contender category. Going a mile & an 8th the G2 Woodward, he took the lead at the quarter pole, led under a drive but was run down by an eager Zandon.
The Dale Romans trained Giant Game, recently came off a layoff to run 2nd in a strong field Allowance Optional Claiming race going a mile & a sixteenth on November 4th at Churchill Downs. Giant Game, the 5-2 favorite, pressed the leader the right way & took to the lead around the turn for home, but was run down by Gasoline who’s 5-1 in this race. Eligible to improve 2nd off the layoff.
The Neil Pessin trained 5 yr old Happy American, sired by Runhappy, finished DFL in the Fayette Stakes vs rivals in this race. His speed figures have drastically dropped over his last 3 races. TOSS
Cherie Devaux trains the 5 yr old Stage Raider. This one recently took on Cody’s Wish & company in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, but was no factor. He finished just behind Zozos who he chased valiantly in the previous G3 Ack Ack Stakes on September 30th at Churchill Downs. He gave a drive down the stretch, but was unable to close ground on the winner. He did however hold off a late surge by Three Technique to hold the place.
Blue Devil, trained by Jeff Hiles looked pretty good finishing 3rd on the inside in the G2 Lucas Classic at Churchill Downs on September 30th. He has 2 wins, 2 seconds & a third in 7 starts this year. Worth a look at 10-1.
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