Friday's Grade 2, $600,000 Clark Stakes at Churchill Downs is set to be an exciting race with a field of 10 horses vying for victory over 1 1/8 miles. This Thanksgiving weekend feature brings together both 3-year-olds and older horses, creating a diverse and competitive field. Let's take a closer look at each of the contenders.

Uncover the Races of the Clark Stakes

1. Bolzy - A Blinkered Contender

In the Clark Stakes, Bolzy enters as a 12-1 shot. Trained by Donnie Von Hemel and ridden by Frankie Dettori, Bolzy showed his best form when finishing second in the Fayette (G2), setting the pace from the start. With blinkers added, he is expected to be part of strong early fractions. His career earnings stand at $259,562, and he will be looking to build on his previous performance.Bolzy's ability to set the pace gives him an advantage, but he will need to fend off the challenges from the other contenders. Frankie Dettori's experience on the track adds to Bolzy's chances, but he will face tough competition in this race.

2. Grand Aspen - A Horse with a Past

Grand Aspen comes into the Clark Stakes with odds of 20-1. Trained by Jonathan Thomas and ridden by Jose Ortiz, Grand Aspen began his career under Brad Cox but was later moved to Todd Pletcher. He had a setback in the Pegasus World Cup (G1) but has shown signs of improvement in his recent starts.After a 10-month layoff, Grand Aspen finished eighth in the Fayette. His career earnings amount to $206,035, and he will be looking to bounce back and prove himself in this high-stakes race. With a new trainer and a fresh start, Grand Aspen has the potential to surprise in the Clark Stakes.

3. Crupi - The Top Choice

Crupi is a 4-1 favorite in the Clark Stakes. Trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., Crupi is one of the race's millionaires and prefers to race from off the pace. After an unproductive start in the Dubai World Cup (G1), he came back to win the Suburban (G2) at Saratoga and was second in the Brooklyn (G2) and the Whitney (G1).Crupi's running style suits the Clark Stakes, and he should have the right setup to perform well. With his experience and talent, Crupi is the top choice in this race and has the potential to bring home the victory.

4. Piroli - A California Contender

Piroli is a 20-1 longshot in the Clark Stakes. Trained by Michael McCarthy and ridden by Edgar Morales, Piroli has had a successful career in California, finishing second in the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) at Santa Anita in 2023. He then won an allowance race at Keeneland last month, pressing the pace against a field of 10.With a move to Kentucky, Piroli is looking to make his mark in the East. His recent form gives him some confidence, but he will face tough competition from the other contenders. Piroli will need to bring his A-game to have a chance of winning in the Clark Stakes.

5. Most Wanted - An Undefeated Challenger

Most Wanted is a 7-2 favorite in the Clark Stakes. Trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Florent Geroux, Most Wanted will face his toughest test yet as he takes on older horses for the first time. His career began in June and he has won four races, including the Ellis Park Derby and the Oklahoma Derby (G3).Most Wanted prefers to race on or near the lead, and he will need to maintain his form against the more experienced horses in the field. With Florent Geroux on board, Most Wanted has the potential to be a major contender in the Clark Stakes.

6. Hit Show - The One to Beat

Hit Show is a 5-2 favorite in the Clark Stakes. Trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, Hit Show has a career record of 14: 7-1-0 and earnings of more than $1.2 million. As a 3-year-old in 2023, he won the Withers (G3) and was second in the Wood Memorial (G2).Hit Show had a strong finish to the year, winning his last three starts including the Fayette (G2) and the Lukas Classic (G2). With Tyler Gaffalione taking over the riding duty from Geroux, Hit Show will be looking to continue his winning streak and claim victory in the Clark Stakes.

7. Rattle N Roll - The Grade 1 Winner

Rattle N Roll is the only Grade 1 winner in the field and enters with odds of 5-1. Trained by Ken McPeek and ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., Rattle N Roll won the Breeders' Futurity as a 2-year-old and has had eight victories in his first three years of racing.His most recent performances include a fourth-place finish in the Lukas Classic and a third-place finish last month. As a late runner, Rattle N Roll is expected to benefit from a fast pace and has the potential to be a major contender in the Clark Stakes.

8. Red Route One - A Late Runner

Red Route One is a 6-1 contender in the Clark Stakes. Trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by Cristian Torres, Red Route One won the Cornhusker Handicap (G3) in July at Remington Park and also won the New Orleans Classic (G2) at Fair Grounds last year.With his late-running style, Red Route One is expected to get an ideal pace scenario in the Clark Stakes. His experience and talent give him a chance of finishing in the top spots and adding to his impressive career record.

9. Cooke Creek - A Front-Running Contender

Cooke Creek is a 6-1 favorite in the Clark Stakes. Trained by Mike Maker and ridden by Luis Saez, Cooke Creek was second by a neck in the Lukas Classic after setting the pace. He has won three races in a row, including a $40,000 claimer, and is looking to continue his winning streak in the Clark Stakes.Cooke Creek's front-running style gives him an advantage in some races, but he will need to be careful not to get caught up in the early pace and lose his momentum. With Mike Maker's training and Luis Saez's riding, Cooke Creek has the potential to be a major contender in the Clark Stakes.

10. Uno Mas Bourbon - A Rising Star

Uno Mas Bourbon is a 20-1 longshot in the Clark Stakes. Trained by Ian Wilkes and ridden by Franciso Arrieta, Uno Mas Bourbon is in the best form of his career with a third-place finish in an allowance at Ellis Park followed by a victory in the Super Derby at Louisiana Downs.In the Fayette, he finished third racing from off the pace. With his recent form and potential, Uno Mas Bourbon is looking to make a name for himself in the Clark Stakes and could be a dark horse in the race.The pace projection for the Clark Stakes shows a fast pace for the nine-furlong distance, which indicates that late runners have the advantage. This means that the top front-runners such as the undefeated Most Wanted and the improving Cooke Creek will get faded.Hit Show is a deserved morning-line favorite and the one to beat, but Crupi and Rattle N Roll should provide better value. Rattle N Roll is the fresh horse, and Crupi has been competitive in top graded stakes. Crupi is the top choice with Rattle N Roll a good selection to use in the exacta.