Bayern passing on Clark

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Nominations have been released for the four graded stakes that conclude the fall meet on Thanksgiving weekend, with easily the most notable name for the Nov. 28 Clark Handicap being Bayern. However, Churchill officials believe trainer Bob Baffert will be starting only Hoppertunity in the Grade 1 Clark, while Baffert said Monday by text: “Bayern not coming.”

The other stakes for closing weekend, all Grade 2 races, are the Falls City on Nov. 27 and the twin 2-year-old stakes, the Kentucky Jockey Club and Golden Rod, on Nov. 29.

◗ Harry’s Holiday will be making his first start since the May 3 Kentucky Derby in a second-level allowance Thursday at Churchill. Trained by Mike Maker, Harry’s Holiday was beaten a nose in the Spiral Stakes in March before finishing 13th in the Blue Grass Stakes and 16th at 44-1 in the Derby.

◗ The Grade 3 Cardinal Handicap on Saturday is the lone stakes here this coming weekend, with a sizable field of filly and mare turf runners likely to include La Tia, Julie’s Love, I’m Already Sexy, Northern Passion, and Nellie Cashman. Entries will be drawn Wednesday.