Clark Top Three in Fine Fettle

The day after a fantastic renewal of the Clark Handicap Presented by Norton Healthcare (GI), the top three finishers were in fine order in their stalls at Churchill Downs, but definite plans for each horse have yet to be decided.

The decision to retire Clark winner Shackleford following Friday’s race was made before he even passed the entry box, but what remains unknown is when the 4-year-old son of Forestry will walk out of his stall at Churchill Downs for the final time. Trainer Dale Romans said Shackleford will likely leave for Darby Dan Farm on Monday, but nothing has been finalized.

Chuck and Maribeth Sandford LLC’s Take Charge Indy, runner-up in the Clark, came out of the race in fantastic order, according to trainer Pat Byrne.  Chuck and Maribeth Sandford, along with WinStar Farm President and CEO Elliott Walden, were at Churchill Downs early Saturday morning to discuss the future racing career of Take Charge Indy.

“He came back great and he’s as happy as he could be,” Chuck Sandford said. “A decision (on whether or not he will be retired) is coming quick. WinStar will make the announcement when the decision is made. It could come as early as Monday or Tuesday and shouldn’t be any later than Wednesday.”

Kellyn Gorder’s assistant trainer Evan Downing said Bourbon Courage exited his third-place effort in the Clark in perfect condition.

“There’s no reason to turn him out if he’s 100-percent,” Downing said. “The plan is to take him to New Orleans on Monday. We’ll look at something like the Mineshaft (GIII at Fair Grounds on Feb. 23). That would be a good prep for something like the New Orleans Handicap (GII at Fair Grounds on March 30).”