Hollywood Park: Game On Dude breezes for Clark Handicap

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Game On Dude worked a half-mile in 48 seconds at Betfair Hollywood Park on Sunday, the final workout for the multiple stakes winner before Friday’s $500,000 Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs.

Game On Dude is based with trainer Bob Baffert at Santa Anita, but Baffert said he opted to send the 6-year-old gelding across town to Hollywood Park because the Santa Anita track has been slow to dry after midweek rains.

“It’s still too wet,” Baffert said. “I’m just worried about quarter cracks and bruised feet.”

Game On Dude galloped out five furlongs in “a minute and change,” Baffert said. “He just cruised around there.”

Game On Dude has won 15 of 28 starts and $5,602,158. He won five consecutive graded stakes this year but most recently was ninth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Nov. 2. The loss essentially eliminated Game On Dude from the Horse of the Year discussion.

“It just wasn’t his day,” Baffert said.

Game On Dude’s 2013 wins include the three major stakes for older horses in Southern California – the Santa Anita Handicap, Hollywood Gold Cup, and Pacific Classic at Del Mar.

Game On Dude is scheduled to be flown to Kentucky on Wednesday.