Magnitude won a thrilling renewal of the Clark S. (G2) Friday at Churchill Downs, defeating Hit Show by a half-length to become the first 3-year-old to win the historic race since Gun Runner in 2016.

The Not This Time colt, who is one of 25 stakes winners in 2025 for his sire, won both the Risen Star S. (G2) and Iowa Derby both in front-running style.

In Friday’s 1 1/8-mile Clark, Magnitude set just off the pace set by Chunk of Gold, who led through fractions of :47.07 and 1:10.79. Going into the far turn, Magnitude closed in on Chunk of Gold and forged to the lead with five-sixteenths to run. Chunk of Gold battled back and the two 3-years-old battled side by side until deep stretch, when Magnitude edged clear and held off the late charge of Hit Show to secure the victory.

Magnitude’s final time of 1:48.69 was the third-fastest winning time by a 3-year-old only behind Aeroflint’s 1:48.40 in 1961 and Gun Runner’s 1:48.50.

“It’s so great to win this race, especially with him showing a different dimension by sitting just off the lead,” winning trainer Steve Asmussen said. “I think we’ve always been excited about his level of talent. For him to put it all together here and turn the corner, it’s a good sign for next year.”

Owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds, Magnitude is now 5-2-1 in 11 starts. The victory also made him racing’s newest millionaire, with earnings of $1,291,865.

Magnitude was bred in Kentucky by Ron Stolich and sold to his owner for $450,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling sale.