Clark Handicap 2018: Odds and analysis for Friday's race

Friday’s Grade 1, $500,000 Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs is one of the final major races of the year for older dirt horses. This year’s 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-olds and up attracted the 2017 winner Seeking the Soul, who is primed to defend his title. The Clark also gives 3-year-olds a chance to step up outside of Breeders’ Cup competition, which Kentucky Derby contender Bravazo will do.

The Clark is scheduled as Race 11 of 12 on Friday’s card. Post time is 5:56 p.m. ET. Here’s a look at the field with projected morning line odds:

1. Prime Attraction, 6-1 (Unbridled’s Song – James Cassidy/Kent Desormeaux – 19:4-4-2 – $499,545): In his return Grade 1 company, the California-based Prime Attraction will get away from leading horse Accelerate. He’s searching for his first win since the Native Diver (G3) a year ago at Del Mar and lost by a head last out in Keeneland’s Fayette (G2). He’s run against the big West Coast horses most of the year, showing versatile running styles. Competitive in this spot.

2. Hence, 8-1 (Street Boss – Steve Asmussen/Ricardo Santana Jr. – 18:5-1-1 – $888,731): Hence will attempt to rebound from fourth in the Fayette for Calumet Farm. Although the multiple Grade 3 winner has picked up stakes wins in New Mexico, Iowa and Oklahoma, he’s yet to break through on a major circuit. There’s others in this field knocking on the door that have fared better in Grade 1 company. Needs his best effort yet.

3. Seeking the Soul, 2-1 (Perfect Soul – Dallas Stewart/John Velazquez – 22:6-5-5 – $1,652,542): Like last year, the defending winner is peaking in the fall and looms as the horse to beat. Seeking the Soul rebounded from a poor Woodward (G1) effort to win the Ack Ack (G3) at Churchill Downs before running second in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1). Off those two efforts, the Clark is his race to lose, and he has the home track advantage. Stewart sees this as a prep for the Pegasus World Cup. Fit to defend his title.

4. Hawaakom, 10-1 (Jazil – Wes Hawley/Joe Rocco Jr. – 45:9-8-8 – $1,034,305): The former claimer earned Grade 3 status when he won the Razorback Handicap last February. From seven starts this year, he’s hit the board three times. Last time he tried Grade 1 company at Churchill Downs he was fourth in the Stephen Foster. The 8-year-old, a former claimer, most recently finished off the board in Grade 3 company at Mountaineer and Parx. Recent reverse in form.

5. Leofric, 9-2 (Candy Ride – Brad Cox/Florent Geroux – 13:7-1-3 – $650,340): Second to Hawaakom in the Razorback, Leofric improved to break through in the West Virginia Governor’s Stakes (G3) and ran third in the Woodward. He then came back to beat Prime Attraction in the Fayette. This horse has been on or near the lead recently, but has also won from last. That change in tactics could put him on the front end with Prime Attraction again here. Improving and dangerous.

6. Bravazo, 4-1 (Awesome Again – D. Wayne Lukas/Joel Rosario – 15:3-3-3 – $1,206,528): The Clark Handicap will mark the eighth consecutive Grade 1 race Bravazo, also owned by Calumet, has run in, and his second against older horses. The Preakness runner-up finisher was last seen hitting the wire third in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. He was also second in the Haskell and third in the Travers this year, and should come running late if there's anything left in the tank. Picks up the pieces.

7. Storm Advisory, 15-1 (Weigelia – Anthony Quartarolo/Albin Jimenez – 50:10-8-8 – $444,652): Storm Advisory is making his graded stakes debut in the Clark. The 6-year-old Loooch Racing runner has a listed stakes win to his name and won his last two races in allowance company at Churchill Downs and Thistledown. Those were both sprinting, and he’ll be stretching out against those experienced at longer distances. A hard task to accomplish.

8. Sightforsoreeyes, 15-1 (Sightseeing – Anthony Quartarolo/Tyler Gaffalione – 26:5-2-5 – $191,063): This is another Loooch runner taking a major step up. Sightforsoreeyes was fourth in the Vosburgh (G1), then rebounded to win a 1 1/16-mile allowance race at Thistledown. His lone stakes score came at a mile in Nebraska before donning the Loooch colors, and the Vosburgh came after two attempts on the turf. The resume leaves some questions.

Summary: If Seeking the Soul holds to his recent form, he stands a very good shot at winning the Clark two years in a row. With no leading older horses to challenge, Leofric and Prime Attraction can take advantage if Seeking the Soul doesn't return the same from Breeders' Cup. Bravazo, while inconsistent, has hit the board numerous times in Grade 1 company and brings a solid season of experience to the table. It would be no surprise to see him finish in the money here, too.