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Einstein Favorite for Stephen Foster Handicap - 06-11-09
 June 11 - Churchill Downs Racecourse in Louisville, Kentucky is expected to draw a sizeable crowd on Saturday with the running of the $1 million Stephen Foster Handicap (Gr 1), the feature race of the post-Derby portion of the venue's spring meet, and the favorite going into the 1 1/8 mile race is 7-year-old Einstein.
Bred in Brazil and trained by Helen Pitts-Blasi, Einstein will be trying for his third consecutive Gr 1 victory in the Stephen Foster, having chalked up impressive wins in last month's $500,000 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic at Churchill Downs and the $1 million Santa Anita Handicap (Gr 1) in March at Santa Anita Park.
What has made Einstein's winning streak particularly impressive is that he won the Woodford on turf, the Santa Anita on synthetic Pro-Ride and will now contest the Stephen Foster Handicap on dirt. But despite being the 2-1 early favorite, Einstein will likely face some stiff competition, even with Julien Leparoux aboard.
One runner in the 8-horse race that may warrant some attention is 6-year-old galloper Asiatic Boy, who will be making his North American debut on Saturday. He has won more than any other starter in this year's Stephen Foster, with his earnings sitting on over $3 million from just 15 starts, mainly in his native Dubai.
He will race under the guidance of highly respected trainer, Kiaran McLaughlin, who is no stranger to the Stephen Foster Handicap. He won this prestigious race in 2007 with Flashy Bull, who was ridden to perfection by champion jockey Robby Albarado. On Saturday, Alan Garcia will be aboard Asiatic Boy.
Another runner that may be worth a wager is Arson Squad, who is trained by Rick Dutrow Jr. According to reports, Arson has been delivering some sharp works of late, ever since returning to the United States after a brief stint in Dubai. There in March he finished 11th in the highly lucrative Dubai World Cup.
Other runners in the 2009 Stephen Foster Handicap include Alphabet Magic; Macho Again; Finallymadeit; Bullsbay and Researcher, who has won 10 races from 17 starts. He will start under champion jockey Calvin Borel, a key rider in this year's Triple Crown. Borel won this race in 2006 aboard Seek Gold.
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| | 2009/11/20 11:35:18 AM |
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