Keen Ice's status for Clark Handicap depends on breeding deal

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The only horse to defeat American Pharoah this year is a possible starter in the annual fall showcase at Churchill Downs, the Nov. 27 Clark Handicap, although whether or not Keen Ice runs in the Grade 1 race depends entirely on what transpires with the colt’s breeding rights.

Jerry Crawford, who heads the Donegal Racing partnership that owns Keen Ice, said Friday that negotiations are ongoing with various entities interested in acquiring the 3-year-old colt, which leaves his status for the Clark uncertain.

“We’re having conversations with folks about his breeding rights, and that’s been the top priority,” said Crawford. “Any decision about the Clark depends on what direction that goes in. We’ve had proposals from those who want to race him next year and those who want him to stand at stud next year.”

Keen Ice upset Triple Crown winner American Pharoah in the Aug. 29 Travers at Saratoga, and neither raced again until the Oct. 31 Breeders’ Cup Classic, in which American Pharoah ended his illustrious career with an easy 6 1/2-length victory while Keen Ice finished fourth.

Trainer Dale Romans said he was leaning toward “maybe a couple of easy breezes” for Keen Ice leading into the $500,000 Clark, a 1 1/8-mile race that anchors the final week of the 21-day fall meet at Churchill. Nominations were to be released this weekend, with the list headed by probable starters Hoppertunity, Dortmund, and Race Day.

Nominations also were due for release for the other Thanksgiving weekend stakes, all Grade 2 races: the Falls City Handicap for fillies and mares on Nov. 26 and the Golden Rod for 2-year-old fillies and Kentucky Jockey Club for 2-year-olds on Nov. 28.

Possible starters for the 1 1/8-mile Falls City include Spelling Again, Chide, No Fault of Mine, Salama, Birdatthewire, and Peace and War.

Frivolous is nominated to both the Clark and Falls City, although her connections have indicated that the 5-year-old mare is likely to start against males in the Clark in her career finale.