Going Ballistic was purchased at auction in January 2005 by contractor Mike Kindred and his wife, Mary. Despite a sprinter's pedigree, the colt showed almost immediately that he needed more distance, and although he has raced periodically on turf, Von Hemel believes the best situation is 1 1/8 miles on the dirt - the same conditions as the Super Derby, Oklahoma Derby, and Clark.

"That's one of the main reasons we're in the Clark," he said.

Going Ballistic arrived here last Friday night, and his trainer will travel to Louisville the night before the race. Meanwhile, Don Von Hemel, who raised his two sons and an older daughter, Pam, in southwest Kansas and currently has his stable at Hawthorne in Chicago, will spend Thanksgiving at what has become the family homestead in Hot Springs. And then he will make sure he is in front of a television the next afternoon when the Clark is run.

"I'd rather see these kids win one as win one myself," said Don Von Hemel, a trainer for more than 50 years. "Every time they run a horse, I watch. If they ask for any advice, I give it. If not, I keep my mouth shut."

Kelly Von Hemel put the family in the racing spotlight for much of this year with the standout sprinter Miss Macy Sue, while also registering his 1,000th career win. Donnie Von Hemel, who won the 1992 Clark with Zeeruler, said he and his father and brother are thankful for all their success in a sport that is inextricably entwined with their lives.

"We've all been very fortunate," he said. "We like to keep it moving along. Hopefully we can get it done in the Clark."

More news

Patrick Mcdermott / Getty Images

California board suspends O'Neill

Despite vigorously denying he gave one of his horses an illegal performance-enhancing mixture, trainer Doug O'Neill was suspended 45 days — a ban that won't take effect until after his superstar colt, I'll Have Another, tries to win the Triple Crown.

Mike Stewart / AP

Chasing the Crown

  Slideshow: I'll Have Another one win away from becoming the first Triple Crown winner since 1978.

Headlines

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