Tom’s d’Etat cruises to victory in Clark Stakes at Churchill Downs

It was all Tom’s d’Etat in Friday’s 145th running of the Grade 1, $600,000 Clark Stakes at Churchill Downs as the 4-5 favorite powered his way to front at the top of the stretch and drew clear in the stretch for a comfortable 3¼-length victory over 3-year-old Owendale, who closed from last to edge Mr Freeze for second.

Owned by Gayle Benson’s G M B Racing and named for her late husband Tom Benson, 6-year-old Tom’s d’Etat clocked 1 1/8 miles on a fast track in 1:48.84 under jockey Joel Rosario, who rode the winner for trainer Al Stall Jr.

“There are a lot of Grade 1 horses in this game that don’t make Grade 1 races,” said Stall, who also won the 2009 Clark with eventual 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Blame. “To have a horse like this is extremely special for our entire barn.”

Rosario moved Tom’s d’Etat into contention around the turn and he surged between Major Cabbie and Bravazo while three-wide to quickly take the lead with a quarter of a mile to run. He decisively coasted home and “conquered the Clark,” as track announcer Travis Stone declared.

“He ran unbelievable,” Rosario said. “It was such a good effort from him tonight to be able to sit behind the speed like that.”

Tom’s d’Etat paid $3.80, $3 and $2.40. Owendale, with Florent Geroux up, returned $4.60 and $3.60 as the 5-1 second betting choice. Mr Freeze, under Robby Albarado, paid $4.40 to show.

Draft Pick finished fourth and was followed by Major Cabbie, 2017 Clark winner Seeking the Soul, Mocito Rojo, Bravazo, Snapper Sinclair, Mr. Buff and Fact Finding. Pioneer Spirit was scratched.

This story was originally published November 29, 2019 at 7:27 PM.