Expert picks: Clark Handicap 2018 predictions, longshots
A field a cut below what we're used to seeing in the Grade 1, $500,000 Clark Handicap will head postward Friday, but the 1 1/8-mile feature at Churchill Downs could hold value from a wagering perspective, particularly if you're against the favorite.
Seeking the Soul is the top morning line choice having won this race a year ago, then finished second in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile on Nov. 3 over this same track. The 3-year-old Bravazo, third in the Dirt Mile, will finish a busy campaign here, with him and the race's other six contenders each looking for their first Grade 1 score.
Post time is 5:56 p.m. under the Twin Spires, and free Clark Handicap past performances are available to assist with your bets. Here's how the Horse Racing Nation crew is playing it:
Jeffrey Byrnes, Byrnzzze's Corner
Winner: #5 Leofric
On the board: #6 Bravazo, #3 Seeking the Soul
Longshot I like: #1 Prime Attraction
Analysis: Leofric is on a roll. He has hit the board in all his starts in 2018 and enters off a sharp win in Keeneland's Fayete Stakes last time out. This horse can go to the lead or sit off the pace, With speed to his outside, I expect him to press and get first run turning for home. The jockey and trainer combination has been hot all year long, and they have the potential to get Leofric his biggest win to date. Though Bravazo hasn't won since February, he's a hard-trying 3-year-old who likes the Churchill surface. He will get pace up front, and this field isn't the toughest he's seen. Never count him out. Next, Seeking the Soul loves Churchill Downs, where he is 3-for-9 in his career. If he runs to his Clark last year, it could be good enough to beat this group. Prime Attraction ran his best race of 2018 last out when beaten a head in the Fayette. When he finally got away from top California horses like Accelerate, he showed his talent. Prime Attraction will be one of the pace setters, and I expect him to be in the fight at the end. I will go 5-6-3-4 superfecta box.
Nick Costa,Trackside with Trackman,
Winner: #3 Seeking the Soul
On the board: #6 Bravazo, #1 Prime Attraction
Longshot I like: #4 Hawaakom
Analysis: Seeking the Soul, the defending Clark winner, should get plenty of pace for his patented late move and prove best. Bravazo is a four-time Grade 1-placed colt. Prime Attraction sports second- and third-place finishes behind Accelerate this season. His speed and inside post should keep him in the mix throughout. Hawaakom is inconsistent but had a couple of nice outings at Churchill earlier in the year.
Jarrod Horak, Pick 6 Blog
Winner: #5 Leofric
On the board: #3 Seeking the Soul, #1 Prime Attraction
Longshot I like: #2 Hence
Analysis: Leofric is 7-for-10 with a trio of minor awards since 2017. The consistent, versatile horse will never find an easier Grade 1 spot. Seeking the Soul was expected to go in the Breeders' Cup Classic last time, but he was on the outside looking in, and Dallas Stewart opted for the Dirt Mile. He won this race last year and is an obvious threat to repeat. Prime Attraction ran Leofric to a head in the Fayette and might go to the lead from the inside post. Hence rallied to just miss the show in the Fayette last time, and Steve Asmussen’s stretch runner appears poised to land a minor award in this spot. Wagers: #5 to win, exacta 1-2-5/3, trifecta 3-5/1-2-3-5/1-2-3-5, trifecta 1-3-5/ALL/2.
Casey Laughter, The Tattooed Tracksider
Winner: #3 Seeking the Soul
On the board: #1 Prime Attraction, #5 Leofric
Longshot I like: #4 Hawaakom
Analysis: Seeking the Soul is peaking at the right time for this race, just like last year, and looks like a back-to-back winner. Prime Attraction ran well last time out to finish second by a head to Leofric at this same distance. I will play an exacta with Seeking the Soul on top and Prime Attraction and Leofric in the runner-up spot.
Olivia Newman, The Final Stride
Winner: #3 Seeking the Soul
On the board: #1 Prime Attraction, #5 Leofric
Longshot I like: #6 Bravazo
Analysis: Seeking The Soul seems to thrive at Churchill Downs. While he came up a little short in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, he fits well in Friday's field. Prime Attraction will move forward off his gutsy effort against Leofric last time out in the Fayette. One can never count out Bravazo, who’s as game as they come. With a hot jockey aboard he certainly poses a threat.
Christine Oser (@cb_oser)
Winner: #3 Seeking the Soul
On the board: #5 Leofric, #1 Prime Attraction
Longshot I like: #6 Bravazo
Analysis: Seeking the Soul appears to be in top form with a win in the Ack Ack and a runner-up performance in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, both at his Churchill Downs base. With no quality horses that absolutely need the lead, Leofric and Prime Attraction could set soft fractions up front like they did in the Fayette and make it harder for Seeking the Soul to close. Bravazo, who has placed four times at the Grade 1 level, has danced every dance for 3-year-olds and was third in the Dirt Mile, and the Clark field allows him to stay in Grade 1 company without facing the leading 3-year-olds or older horses.
Kate Richards Wilt, Racing Hearts
Winner: #6 Bravazo
On the board: #1 Prime Attraction, #3 Seeking the Soul
Longshot I like: #5 Leofric
Analysis: Bravazo butted heads with the big red horse throughout the Triple Crown and is cranked to score over last year's winner, Seeking the Soul. Jim Cassidy's shipper, Prime Attraction may surprise with the predicted conditions and could wire this short field.