Runhappy won't run in Clark Handicap

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Runhappy will not run in the Grade 1 Clark Handicap on Nov. 25 at Churchill Downs while owner Jim McIngvale and trainer Laura Wohlers mull their options with the 2015 sprint champion.

The 1 1/8-mile Clark had been considered a possible stepping-stone to the inaugural Pegasus World Cup, a 1 1/8-mile race for which McIngvale has paid $1 million for one of the 12 starting berths. But with Runhappy losing by nearly 16 lengths last weekend in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, his connections might be having second thoughts on their plan to transform Runhappy into a two-turn horse.

Wohlers said Friday via text message that a decision is forthcoming on how best to proceed with Runhappy, who is back at the Thoroughbred Training Center in Lexington, Ky.

◗ Pat Byrne got a second candidate for the Nov. 26 Kentucky Jockey Club when Just Move On rallied to win the Thursday feature, a first-level allowance at 1 1/16 miles. Just Move On joins Silent Decree, most recently fourth in the Street Sense.

“They’re both really nice colts,” said Byrne. “Neither one has had the best of racing luck. I’m hoping to do some good with them.”

◗ Valadorna and Daddys Lil Darling, the second- and fourth-place finishers behind upset winner Champagne Room in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, are under consideration for the Grade 2 Golden Rod Stakes here Nov. 26, according to the connections of both fillies.

◗ The lone stakes next weekend at Churchill is the Grade 3, $100,000 Cardinal Handicap, to be run Saturday. The 1 1/8-mile turf race has attracted a nominations list of 27 fillies and mares, including Cash Control, Heath, Kitten’s Roar, Mizz Money, No Fault of Mine, She’s Not Here, and Trophee.