Churchill Downs Black Friday Racing: Clark Stakes Analysis

Fall racing concludes this weekend at Churchill Downs. The racing weekend features plenty of stakes action. Friday’s card features the Grade 2 Clark.

Full Card Analysis

Churchill Downs- 1

Commencing at 1:00 PM ET, this $50k Maiden Claiming race spans 1 1/16 m on dirt, featuring 8 entries.

• #1 GUEST OF HONOR (7-2) will likely improve off the first start, securing the top selection. This contender, with a pedigree indicative of major player status, will be a strong force in this race.
• #4 CHAMPAGNE SURPRISE (4-1) emerges as a significant contender with races competitive enough to lead this group. This entrant holds promise for a noteworthy performance.
• #6 DIXIE RAG (3-1), considered a fringe contender, makes sense on speed figures. This runner will be in the mix
• #5 IMPECCABLE TIMING (12-1), a price horse, will add value to an otherwise formful race. Having proven competence in handling these conditions, Impeccable Timing presents value.

Selections: 1 – 4 – 6 – 5

Churchill Downs- 2

Scheduled for 1:28 PM ET, this $50k Maiden Claiming race covers 6 1/2 f on dirt, featuring 8 entries.

• #6 SPANISH DOUBLOON (3-1) secures the top pick. Trained by Casse and ridden by Gaffalione, this contender exhibits the pedigree of a major player in this spot.
• #3 BATTLE BORN (7-2), deemed a major player in this race, fits well within this field.
• #5 CLOUD WITHOUT REIN (6-1) will likely be at the front of the group and that bodes well for any horse at Churchill. This effect is magnified in the maiden ranks.
• #2 LIPS SAY BLISS (10-1), a price horse under the guidance of the Medina barn and Achard, carries hope and deserves consideration.

Selections: 6 – 3 – 5 – 2

Churchill Downs- 3

Starting at 1:56 PM ET, this $52k Claiming race spans 6 f on dirt, featuring 9 entries.

• #3 BUCKEYE ROSE (4-1) leads as the strongest choice. With a likely front-running strategy under the Drury and Mckee combination, this runner is one to use heavily.
• #8 JUST LIKE MAGIC (5-1) can run speed figures that best this group. This one will be up near the front with every chance in the late stages.
• #6 SHIP IT (6-1) has the potential to get to the front and clear off based on the early pace figures. This entrant is a dangerous contender in this scenario.
• #5 ARDEN'S ASSAULT (3-1), looking to be the class of the field, emerges as a credible force under these conditions.

Selections: 3 – 8 – 6 – 5

Churchill Downs- 4

At 2:24 PM ET, this $42k Maiden Claiming race covers 6 1/2 f on dirt, presenting 14 entries.

• #1 UNMATCHED (9-2) secures the top selection, being a potential front-runner. This runner puts together solid performances under these conditions.
• #10 CHIQUITA REINA (6-1) is a contender without overlooking. Unlikely to struggle with the distance, this entrant carries the pedigree of a major player.
• #2 JANUARY JUBILEE (5-1) debuts here and is given a fringe shot based on the morning line. With the Hartman and Concepcion combination, this well-bred contender deserves respect.
• #8 WRECK IT RUBY (6-1) will be a contender to hit the board though a win may be a bridge too far. Well-bred for this spot, Wreck It Ruby presents value.

Selections: 1 – 10 – 2 – 8

Churchill Downs- 5

Launching at 2:53 PM ET, this $120k Maiden Special Weight covers 7 1/2 f on dirt, featuring 9 entries.

• #5 MOUNT CRAIG (5-1) is the top pick, entering the race in excellent form. The recent company this one has been keeping makes him a player for an upset here.
• #3 HOLLYWOOD ENDING (7-5) is likely to step forward off the debut effort. Not likely to struggle with the distance, this contender makes sense on speed figures.
• #4 SPIELMAN (9-5) runs consistently based on the most recent performances.
• #1 PEEK (10-1), a price horse, is a fringe contender and deserving of consideration. Proven to handle these conditions, Peek presents value in this field.

Selections: 5 – 3 – 4 – 1

Churchill Downs- 6

Beginning at 3:21 PM ET, this $127k Allowance race spans 1 1/8 m on turf, featuring 16 entries.

• #5 HILLIARD (7-2) stands out as the prime choice. With a strong closing kick, Hilliard will likely deliver a noteworthy late run and is well-suited for the distance.
• #13 IDRATHERBEBLESSED (15-1), a price horse, appears to be a major player in this race. Trained by Hartman and ridden by Prat, this contender fits well within this field.
• #2 MACKILLOP (6-1) looks like the class of the field. Positioned to sit mid-pack and come with a strong run, Mackillop is a major contender.
• #11 GRAND ASPEN (3-1) is a fringe contender. Having proven the ability to handle these conditions, Grand Aspen should not be overlooked.

Selections: 5 – 13 – 2 – 11

Churchill Downs- 7

Racing starts at 3:49 PM ET, featuring a $62k Claiming race over 7 f on dirt, encompassing 9 entries.

• #7 WIND OF CHANGE (2-1) secures the top selection. This one runs fast early and their doesn’t appear to be much speed to keep up.
• #1 KATTATH (10-1), a price horse, that is among the fastest speed figure earners in the group. The price makes this one worth the risk of including somewhere on the ticket.
• #2 LYKAN (6-1) is a fringe contender, likely to be in the first flight of runners. This one should be in the mix to get home late.
• #4 CHIEF BUCKEYE (15-1), another price horse, carries hope and shouldn't be underestimated. Trained by Drury and ridden by Hernandez, Chief Buckeye deserves consideration.

Selections: 7 – 1 – 2 – 4

Churchill Downs- 8

Set to commence at 4:18 PM ET, this $120k Maiden Special Weight race spans 7 f on dirt, presenting 14 entries.

• #3 SWEET GAL OF MINE (5-2) is the top pick, potentially getting loose on the front end. If she doesn’t get the lead she has the option to stalk which is always dangerous.
• #2 CLEOPATRA SELENE (9-2), expected to have a lot to do in the lane, secures a significant spot. Trained by Correas and ridden by Cheminaud, this contender could deliver a competitive run.
• #9 TANYA SHOWERS (3-1) is worth a look here. A reliable bet to hit the board, Tanya Showers makes sense on speed figures.
• #10 LEMON MUFFIN (10-1), a price horse, isn't without hope. Entering the race in good form, Lemon Muffin presents value.

Selections: 3 – 2 – 9 – 10

Churchill Downs- 9

Launching at 4:48 PM ET, this $134k Allowance Optional Claiming race spans 1 1/16 m on dirt, featuring 11 entries.

• #3 PUNCHBOWL (2-1) emerges as the strongest choice. He fits well within the group and runs consistent performances that make him a winner today.
• #1 THE ALYS LOOK (4-1) is considered to be in with a shot. Exhibiting consistent pace figures, this runner will likely get a perfect pace scenario here.
• #4 CHOP CHOP (7-2) is a fringe contender, set to run a big one. He has a strong steady late kick that appears well suited to this race.
• #5 TWO ITEM SAVER (10-1), a price horse, makes sense on speed figures. Likely to be in the first flight of runners, Two Item Saver is in with a chance late.

Selections: 3 – 1 – 4 – 5

Churchill Downs- 10

Launching at 5:18 PM ET, the $300k Mrs. Revere S. race covers 1 1/16 m on turf, hosting 12 entries.

• #3 NEECIE MARIE (4-1) secures the top selection, potentially getting the right setup in this race. She fits in really well with this group/
• #7 BLING (5-1) is anticipated to be a major player. With tactical speed, Bling can sit just off the leaders for a stalk and pounce trip. Trained by Cox and ridden by Geroux, this contender is poised for a strong run.
• #12 HEAVENLY SUNDAY (7-2) is recognized as a major player. Making sense on speed figures and guided by the combination of Cox and Geroux, Heavenly Sunday deserves respect.
• #10 WATCH THIS BIRDIE (8-1) is projected to be competitive. Making sense on speed figures, this contender has been solid in recent starts.

Selections: 3 – 7 – 12 – 10

Churchill Downs- 11

At 5:48 PM ET, the $600k Clark S. presented by Norton Healthcare encompasses 1 1/8 m on dirt, hosting 10 entries.

• #10 BLUE DEVIL (10-1), a price horse, secures the top pick. Proven to handle these conditions, Blue Devil boasts the top overall power rating in the group.
• #2 FIRST MISSION (3-1) is expected to be competitive. Making sense on speed figures, this contender has been solid in recent starts.
• #7 GIANT GAME (12-1), a price horse, is one to keep your eye. Making sense on speed figures, Giant Game presents value.
• #5 TRADEMARK (6-1) also makes a little sense. Fitting well within this field, Trademark seems to be in good form.

Selections: 10 – 2 – 7 – 5

Churchill Downs- 12

Set to start at 6:18 PM ET, the $92k Maiden Special Weight race spans 1 m on dirt, featuring 10 entries.

• #2 EYES OF GOLD (3-1) is recognized as a major player. He is proven to handle these conditions and guided by the combination of Demeritte and Bejarano.
• #6 LIPOCHROME (15-1), a price horse, is considered the best choice. With no trouble expected with the distance and potentially benefiting from a hot pace up front, Lipochrome stands out.
• #1 STAGE BELL (10-1), a price horse, is anticipated to be a major player. Trained by Pitts and ridden by Cannon, this contender has a solid chance.
• #5 STAGFLATION (5-1) is recognized as a major player. Potentially benefiting from a hot pace up front, Stagflation stands out in this field.

Selections: 2 – 6 – 1 – 5

Betting News Horse Racing Coverage

Betting News provides AI generated handicapping tools for all of the major tracks around the country each and every day.

In addition, Betting News will continue to provide in depth analysis of select racing cards throughout the week.

Friday

• Churchill Downs featuring the Grade 2 Clark Stakes

Saturday

• Aqueduct Picks featuring the Grade 3 Comely Stakes
• Churchill Downs Picks featuring the Grade 2 Golden Rod and Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club

Sunday

• Del Mar Picks featuring the Grade 3 Native Diver

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