Churchill: Maxfield looks to remain undefeated in G1 Clark
Photo: TheFreePPs.com
Racetrack: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Ky.
Date: Nov. 26
Purse: $750,000
Distance: 1 1/8 miles
Race: 11
Post Time: 5:56 p.m. ET
Notable winners: Tom’s d’Etat (2019), Gun Runner (2016), Hoppertunity (2014), Will Take Charge (2013), Shackleford (2012), Wise Dan (2011), Blame (2009), Saint Liam (2004), Silver Charm (1998), Golden Don (1973), Crimson Satan (1962), Whirlaway (1942), Exterminator (1922), Old Rosebud (1917).
First held: 1875
The field for the 2021 Clark Stakes
#1 Midnight Bourbon will attempt to capture his first G1 victory and his third lifetime win in the Clark at Churchill.
Between the lines:
1. Runner up in 5 of 12 with only two wins, he’s got seconditis.
2. Last trip to the winner’s circle after a front-running victory in the Fair Grounds Lecomte (G3) when he beat Proxy and Mandaloun going 1 1/6 miles.
3. Rosario will need to break fast from the favored 1 post position
4. Sitting on two bullets, he’ll set the pace off a 60 day layoff
5. Faced the best in his class all year.
6. 0 for 3 at the distance
#2 Night Ops was twice a winner at Churchill going back prior to July 2020 when he last won at Prairie Meadows in the G3 Cornhusker. But he’s 0 for 8 since then.
Between the lines:
1. Last raced here in May when 2nd, as the beaten favorite in the Blame, at this distance.
2. Will need to rally from back of the pack in a short field
3. Older runner who has been beaten by a few others in here.
4. Looking for first G1
5. 1 for 9 at the distance
#3 Dr Post will make his first start at Churchill off a two month layoff and a third place finish in the G1 Woodward behind ML favorite Maxfield
Between the lines:
1. Won first two career races at Gulfstream at 3.
2. Winner of two G3 at 4
3. Good effort against G1 types but not enough in the tank
4. 1 for 5 at the distance
#4 Happy Saver won five in a row with Lasix including the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont as a 3YO. Took his 4YO debut off a lengthy layoff. Twice beaten by Max Player in his last two as the runner up without Lasix.
Between the lines:
1. Will go without Lasix in the Clark
2. Regular rider opts for stablemate
3. Should like the cutback
4. 2 for 2 at the distance
5. Sire won the 2010 Kentucky Derby
#5 King Fury was the 2021 Lexington winner at long odds in impressive fashion. Came running in his next out at Thistle Downs in the G3 Ohio Derby. But a G1 horse he’s not – not yet, anyway.
Between the lines:
1. Winner of 3 out of 4 at Churchill makes him dangerous to completely ignore
2. 0 for 2 at the Clark distance
#6 Chess Chief will be sent out by high percentage connections off a 5th place finish in the Lukas Classic (G3) behind Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Knicks Go. But his chances in hear are virtually none
Between the lines:
1. 0 for 10 at Churchill is a pretty convincing stat
2. 5YO has won three of his last 15 going back to the G2 New Orleans Classic at Fair Grounds
3. Will need a total breakdown of the pace to catch these
4. 1 for 9 at the distance
#7 Militarist is still eligible for his third career win and first win on dirt.
Between the lines:
1. NW of 3 lifetime
2. Turf pedigree
3. No speed
4. 0 for 1 at distance
#8 Maxfield won a G1 at 2 and his first three races at 3 – all with Lasix. He’s undefeated at Churchill, hence his 6-5 opening odds as the favorite.
Between the lines:
1. 4 for 4 at Churchill
2. 1 for 3 at distance
3. Blinkers added for last
Wiz Capper’s Pick: #4 Happy Saver
