Rising Star Successful Dan Tops Clark

A year ago, a lightly raced 3-year-old named Blame used a victory in the Fayette Stakes (gr. III) at Keeneland as a springboard to victory in his subsequent start in the Clark Handicap Presented by Norton Healthcare (gr. II) at Churchill Downs. As most everyone knows, Blame returned to Churchill this November and won the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) for owners Claiborne Farm and Adele Dilschneider and trainer Al Stall Jr.

On Friday, Nov. 26, history could repeat itself in the Clark as Morton Fink’s Successful Dan, winner of this year’s Fayette, is set to carry 121 pounds and concede from three to six pounds to 10 rivals as the favorite in the 136th running of the $500,000-added Clark Handicap (now a grade I) for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/8 miles.

The Clark will go as the 11th event on a 12-race “Black Friday” holiday racing program that begins at 12:40 p.m. (EST).  Post time for the Clark is 5:42 p.m.