The $600,000 Clark (G2) at Churchill Downs surely looks like a race Hit Show is capable of winning.

Preview of Saturday's Goodwood (G1), City of Hope Mile (G2), and three more graded stakes at Santa Anita.

As the racing season begins its second half next week, owner Mike Repole and trainer Todd Pletcher hold pocket aces in the older male dirt division.

After the concurrent losses by Fierceness and White Abarrio in the Metropolitan H. (G1) earlier this month, the leadership of the older male dirt division appears wide open.

The Brad Cox stable continued its recent cleanup of lucrative worldwide dirt stakes for older horses when First Mission rallied in between rivals in the stretch to take the $1.25 million Oaklawn H. (G2) on Saturday.

One of the highlights of Skippylongstocking's 2024 campaign, a victory in the Oaklawn H. (G2), might be one this year, too, if the six-year-old veteran gets home on top in Saturday's renewal of the $1.25 million feature over 1 1/8 miles.

On a Sunday afternoon of upsets at Oaklawn Park, Coal Battle and Quietside starred in the Rebel (G2) and Honeybee (G3) while Alexander Helios battled to victory in the Razorback H. (G3).

Godolphin’s homebred First Mission chased the pacesetting T O Saint Denis for most of Friday’s $730,000 Alysheba S. (G2) at Churchill Downs and cruised home to a commanding four-length win.

The leading older dirt male in training, Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) winner White Abarrio, will be sitting out Saturday's renewal of the $3 million Pegasus World Cup (G1) to await a pair of rich stakes in the Middle East later this winter.

The $600,000 Clark (G2) has often showcased up-and-coming three-year-olds for much of its 149-year history, Gun Runner, Will Take Charge, and Blame being recent examples.

***Updated after Monday’s draw with post positions and morning line odds