When Amplitude surged ahead by a considerable margin of 9 ¾ lengths in the Feb. 15 Fasig-Tipton Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds, observers saw a competitor with the potential for significant achievements at Churchill Downs.
Those involved with the horse harbored hopes that such an achievement could materialize in the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, but a minor bone issue was identified shortly after the Risen Star, necessitating a surgical procedure and preventing him from participating in the Derby preparations.
After recovering his health, the 3-year-old Not This Time offspring eventually arrived at Churchill Downs, and on Nov. 28, at the Louisville, Ky., venue, he experienced a defining moment under the iconic Twin Spires. Displaying determination in overtaking a resilient leader named Chunk of Gold, he successfully held off a late challenge from Hit Show, the victor of the Dubai World Sponsored by Emirates Airline, securing a victory by a margin of a half-length in the $595,000, Grade 2 Clark Stakes Presented by Norton Healthcare.
Amplitude completed the 1 1/8-mile distance on a fast track in a time of 1:48.69, guided by jockey Jose Ortiz, who piloted the winner on behalf of Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen and owner Ron Winchell’s Winchell Thoroughbreds.
Amplitude became the first 3-year-old to emerge victorious in the Clark since Gun Runner, also trained by Asmussen and owned by Winchell, achieved the same feat in 2016, preceding his recognition as the 2017 Horse of the Year.
Ortiz conveyed that his mount demonstrated “excellent form” throughout the race, including during the phase when the colt trailed Chunk of Gold along the backstretch. Initiating a move against that rival midway through the second turn, Amplitude seized the lead, although he was unable to establish a substantial gap. Maintaining a slim lead throughout the stretch, he persevered against Hit Show, who mounted a rally, surpassing Chunk of Gold by a head to claim the runner-up position.
The victor, who altered his leading leg in the final stages, offered a return of $6.36 for a $2 win wager, starting as the 2.18-1 favorite.
“He needed to strive in the closing stages to pass, but he showed great resolve,” Ortiz commented. “He possesses a wealth of potential, and I anticipate further improvement in the upcoming year.”
Hit Show, who finished fifth in the 2024 Clark, performed better in the 2025 edition.
“Approaching the final furlong, I doubted his ability to contend,” his trainer Brad Cox stated. “However, he then demonstrated remarkable determination to make it a close finish.”
This victory marked Amplitude’s inaugural triumph at the graded stakes level since his return from the injury. Previously, he had dominated the non-graded Iowa Derby on July 5 at Prairie Meadows, finished a distant third behind Sovereignty and Bracket Buster in the Aug. 23 DraftKings Travers Stakes at Saratoga, and secured second place behind Baeza in the Sept. 20 Pennsylvania Derby at Parx Racing in his subsequent starts after the Risen Star.
“We have been anticipating a performance of this caliber from him throughout the year,” David Fiske, racing manager for Winchell Thoroughbreds, remarked regarding the wait for a graded stakes victory. “The Risen Star hinted at his capabilities.”
Asmussen characterized Amplitude’s Clark performance as his finest in 11 starts, even surpassing the Risen Star. This marked Amplitude’s third stakes victory, but his first without dictating the pace.
“As observers and analysts, it was evident that he prevailed (in the Risen Star) with a track favoring his running style. He outpaced some strong contenders,” he pointed out. “I believe today he outperformed a talented field of horses in a fair contest.”
Asmussen, the trainer with the most victories in North American racing history, but yet to achieve a Derby win, chose to relish Friday’s triumph rather than contemplate the hypothetical outcome in the Run for the Roses.
“If the Derby doesn’t unfold as planned, the possibilities are endless,” he commented. “We might have expended all our efforts there, but I am exceptionally proud of him today.”
Neither Asmussen nor Fiske were prepared to commit to Amplitude’s next race, although securing a Grade 1 victory would significantly enhance the colt’s value as a stallion prospect. The $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes on Jan. 24 at Gulfstream Park presents a potential option, alongside the $20 million Saudi Cup on Feb. 14 or the $12 million Dubai World Cup on March 28 in the Middle East. Both the Pegasus World Cup and Saudi Cup are contested at 1 1/8 miles, while the Dubai World Cup is at 1 ¼ miles, a distance at which Amplitude’s stamina appeared to wane in the Travers.
Regardless of his subsequent race, Amplitude is scheduled to relocate to Fair Grounds in New Orleans, where Asmussen houses his top-tier horses during the winter season. The $500,000 New Orleans Classic Stakes, run at 1 1/8 miles on March 21, represents the most lucrative race for older horses in that region during the initial quarter of 2026.
