 |
|
|
Field Of Five to Challenge Clark Handicap
By
McDuffy
Nov 22, 2011,
10:21:36 AM
|
|
Friday November 25th, 2011 Churchill Downs Race #4 Post: 13:40
___________________________________________________________________________________
CD 4 Clark Handicap ( Gr. I )
$500.000 For Three year olds and upward Mile and a Eighth Dirt
___________________________________________________________________________________
With only eight Grade I events scheduled to the end of the season and six of those taking place this weekend, the largest purse race this weekend will be the Gr. I Clark Handicap here at CD. After an absence last season since its conception in 2003, the Clark has once again raised its purse money to the five hundred plateau, and has attracted a group of five runners.
Only one of Fridays competitors will be looking to win his second Clark title, and that would be trainer Diablo Diablo who captured the 08 title with four year old Nutcase, who was made favorite in the BC Marathon event a month earlier, but faded late to some eleven lengths back. He would find redemption here in the Clark Hdcp. by leading from gate to wire. This season, Double D will send out a sophomore by the name of Marriage Counsellor to do battle, and he struggled in two Gr II events leading up to this race, so he could have an uphill battle on his hands.
The event record time for this race is held by 2006 champion Spanish Castle Magic ( YME Stable ) with a final time of 1:47.52, and he would become the second four year old winner among five that have taken this title in the past seven seasons. So if four year olds are the driving force, then the lone four year old this season by the name of Longest Yard ( Aml Racing ) may be a top consideration for backers at the mutuel windows.
First and foremost in handicapping an event, experience at a certain distance and level should be a major cosideration in finding a thoroughbred you would like to back. Keeping that in mind, lets take a look at this seasons runners;
Rte 28 ( 8-10-5 )
The statesman of the field at the age of six, has raced at this level twice this season in the Donn Handicap ( 3rd by two ) and the HOL Gold Cup ( 4th by four ) staying competitive early on in both of those affairs, only fading later in the race. Will definitely be familiar with the rail post, as he has broke from the gate in this position in his last three starts. His most recent effort in an Alw57 race at BEL for three and up had him on top by a length at the line, earning him a Track Record time for the mile and an eighth distance. Will be looking to use his experience at the rail once again and should be in the hunt down the lane.
Rte 7 ( 2-4-1 )
Is still a greenhorn when it comes to not only Graded stakes races, but stakes races in general. Took five attempts to earn his maiden victory, which took place at this venue going a mile and a sixteenth. Has finished 100 % ITM in his career, all being at a mile or longer. Though he has not competed at this level, the times he has faced in past events should have him in the battle down the lane against this smaller field. While Lanerie brought him home last time out, trainer cant ignore the thrity-two win percentage of R A Baze to place him in the irons here. He is out of a BEL Stakes winning sire, so you judge his talents. Possibilities.
Rte 18 ( 2-8-2 )
A consistent top three finisher this season at this distance, just struggling to find the wire on top. Has finished second in five of his eight starts this season with a win and a show placing. His last victory came back in his seasonal opener against OpClm 80 company, and that was eight starts ago. He most recently competed in the Gr. I BC Classic, and was within two length of the front in second after a mile, but was unable to stay close in the final two furlongs. Has been competing at the Graded level in his last seven starts, so that earns him respect, but will he come up short once again? Definitely in the money, bet heavy on the place finish..
Rte 7 ( 4-1-1 )
Has the best win record against this group with three victories in six starts, and he did capture the Gr. III Iowa Derby in late June going a sixteenth shorter then todays race. His most recent effort over a good surface in the Gr. II PA Derby saw him finish behind Noble Warrior who finished third in the BC Classic, and ahead of Crown Heights, the BEL Stakes winner and KY Derby runner-up. Has seen his share of top talent this season and based on his efforts in his last, he must be strongly considered here. If Longest Yard fails once again to finish strong, it could leave the door open for this bay colt to win it all. Contender even after 62 days off.
Rte 4 ( 2-0-0 )
A definite mudder in this group, has gone three for three on off track surfaces, but it looks highly unlikely that he will get that footing here on Friday. Attempted the Gr. II Peter Pan back in May finishing fourth, then followed that up with a sixth place finish the following month in theGr. II Stephens. Trainer decided to go to work on the sophomore chestnut over the next 127 days before he returned in an Alw30/N2X and he was right in the battle from the onset and would walk away with the victory. This is a major move up from that race but recent morning works seem to point to the trainer having found his best efforts. Looks ready and smaller field should get him a share.
Duffers Picks
4. Thunder Star.............Will be looking to steal it at the line.
3. Longest Yard.............Looks the favorite to win, but will he shy up at the wire.
1. Irish Stu.....................Looks to use experience at the rail to his advantage.
from trackside
I'm Mc.D.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
