Hoppertunity among eight probables for Clark Handicap

Unlike last year, when the Clark Handicap was a factor in Eclipse Awards voting, the Grade 1 race does not figure to have any championship ramifications when it is run next Friday (Nov. 28) fat Churchill Downs for the 141st time.

Trainer Bob Baffert confirmed Wednesday that he intends to send Hoppertunity for the $500,000 Clark. Hoppertunity, most recently a fast-closing second in an Oct. 29 allowance at Santa Anita, will be ridden by Rafael Bejarano when stretching out to 1 1/8 miles in the Clark.

Here are the known prospects for the Clark, for which weights will be released Friday: Cary Street, Constitution, Departing, Easter Gift, Hoppertunity, Knights Nation, Pick of the Litter, and Prayer for Relief.

Tapiture was one of 20 nominees to the Clark, but trainer Steve Asmussen said the 3-year-old colt will not run.

The 2013 Clark was won by Will Take Charge, helping him clinch the Eclipse for top 3-year-old.

The Clark is one of four graded stakes set for closing weekend, along with the Falls City on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27) and the Kentucky Jockey Club and Golden Rod on Nov. 29.

◗ The Nov. 29 card will coincide with the Kentucky-Louisville football rivalry being held at nearby Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, although the Atlantic Coast Conference announced this week that game time will not be determined until Saturday at the earliest.