Churchill Downs announced a stellar field of nine competitors for the GII Clark S. on Black Friday, headlined by 3-1 morning-line favorite Hit Show.
The Candy Ride son, representing Wathnan Racing, enters the race following a one-length victory over last year’s Clark winner Rattle N Roll in the GIII Hagyard Fayette S. at Keeneland on Oct. 25.
“We were really proud of Hit Show’s effort in the Fayette,” trainer Brad Cox said. “He hasn’t missed a beat since winning the Dubai World Cup. We’re looking forward to another top effort in the Clark.”
Cox will also saddle ‘TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard’ and Godolphin homebred First Mission (Street Sense), who missed winning the 2023 Clark by just a nose. The multiple graded stakes winner disappointed with a fourth-place finish in the GI Goodwood S. at Santa Anita on Sept. 27.
“The Clark is First Mission’s final start before he retires to stud duty,” Cox said. “We expect him to bounce back on Friday.”
The Clark field features several talented three-year-olds, including GI Preakness S. runner-up and Fayette third-place finisher Gosger (Nyquist), GII Fasig-Tipton Risen Star S. winner and GI Pennsylvania Derby runner-up Magnitude (Not This Time), and GIII West Virginia Derby winner Chunk of Gold (Preservationist).
On the undercard, the GII Mrs. Revere S. will showcase Lush Lips (GB) (Ten Sovereigns), the GI Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup S. winner who recently sold for $3.7 million to Dixiana Farm at Keeneland November.
Friday’s graded stakes action also includes the GII Hollywood Turf Cup S. at Del Mar.
Churchill Downs will kick off the holiday racing weekend with a 12-race Thanksgiving Day program featuring the GIII Falls City S., which includes GI Breeders’ Cup Distaff third-place finisher Regaled (Mohaymen).
