Rising star Magnitude claimed a significant win in the 151st Clark Prix (G2) at Churchill Downs on Friday, taking home $595,000. Overcoming early leader Chunk of Gold, the $8.8 million colt fought off a late challenge to edge out victory by half a length in a thrilling race. Magnitude completed the 1 1/8 mile race on a fast track in 1:48.59, with jockey Jose Ortiz aboard. Trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen and owned by Ron Winchell’s Winchell Thoroughbred LLC, Magnitude became the first three-year-old to win the Clark Trophy since Gun Runner in 2016, also trained by Asmussen and owned by Winchell.
Magnitude’s time was the third fastest for a three-year-old in the race’s history, trailing only Aeroflint’s 1961 record and Gun Runner’s 2016 run. Asmussen expressed his excitement, noting Magnitude’s talent and strong performance late in the race, which bodes well for his future. The first-place prize of $360,700 pushed Magnitude’s total earnings beyond $1.29 million after 11 races, with a record of 5 wins, 2 seconds, and 1 third.
Chunk of Gold, winner of the West Virginia Derby, led early with quick fractions but was eventually overtaken by Magnitude as the three-year-olds battled down the stretch. Dubai World Cup winner Hit Show made a late move but couldn’t surpass Magnitude, who held strong to take the win. Jose Ortiz praised Magnitude’s competitiveness, predicting even better performances ahead.
This was Magnitude’s third stakes victory and marked the first time he didn’t lead wire-to-wire. Prior to the Clark, he placed second in the Pennsylvania Derby and had a strong early season showing, including a dominant win in the Iowa Derby following recovery from ankle surgery. Magnitude was the race favorite and paid $6.36 to win.
Chunk of Gold, trained by Ethan West and ridden by Junior Alvarado, finished a close third, while other notable runners included Hu Day, last year’s Clark winner Rattle N’ Roll, Gosgar, First Mission, and Cook Creek. Magnitude, sired by Not This Time and out of Bernardini’s mare Rockadelic, was bred in Kentucky by Ron Stritch and sold for $450,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
The Clark race, named after Churchill Downs founder Col. M. Lewis Clark, has been held annually since its inaugural run in 1875, alongside prestigious races like the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks.
Fan Take: Magnitude’s win not only highlights the prowess of a rising star but also showcases the depth of talent shaping the future of horse racing. For fans, this victory signals exciting competition ahead and the continued legacy of historic races like the Clark Prix in spotlighting elite Thoroughbreds.
