Stephen Foster Selection

The more I examine the Stephen Foster, the more I like EINSTEIN for the win.

I’m willing to forgive his bad race on dirt in February, due to his recent bullet workout at Churchill Downs, where he was the fastest of 31 others.

I also like his running-style for the race, where I think he could be the surprise pace-setter.   With CURLIN, DELIGHTFUL KISS and SAM P. to his inside, I don’t think it will be a problem for Einstein to make the lead should Julien Leparoux desire to take him there. 

And if he does, I think he’ll get a promising rail trip.

Initially, I really wanted to support BARCOLA at at the 20/1 price, but the outside post position has caused me to think twice about it.  Barcola simply isn’t fast enough for me to confidently support his cause, and I have a feeling he’ll pack it in if he doesn’t get to the front.

Other than Einstein and Barcola, I don’t see much other early speed in the race, and its quite possible that whomever gets to the lead is going to walk away with it.  JONESBORO could possibly threaten the front, but with Einstein to his inside, I have more confidence the lead will be Einstein’s for the taking.

With that thought in mind, Einstein is also more versatile, and even if he doesn’t go to the lead early, he’ll still have a good shot at winning by running in a stalking position, where the fractions should be moderate.

Therefore, I’m hoping Einstein makes me look smart this week, and he’s going to be my final selection for the Stephen Foster Handicap.

Grade 1 - Stephen Foster Handicap
June 14, 2008 – RACE 10
Distance: 1 1/8 miles
For 3-year-olds and older

1. Curlin (128 lbs.) - 3/5
2. Delightful Kiss (114 lbs.) – 20/1
3. Sam P. (113 lbs.) – 30/1
4. Einstein (115 lbs.) – 5/1
5. Grasshopper (117 lbs.) – 5/1
6. High Blues (113 lbs.) – 30/1
7. Red Rock Creek (113 lbs.) – 30/1
8. Jonesboro (114 lbs.) – 20/1
9. Barcola (113 lbs.) – 20/1
10. Brass Hat (116 lbs.) – 8/1

Selections:

$20.00 To Win – #4 Einstein
$20.00 To Place - #4 Einstein
$20.00 To Show - #4 Einstein
$5.00 Exacta Box – #4 Einstein / #7 Red Rock Creek

TOTAL BUDGET: $579.00
WAGER TOTAL: $70.00
ADJUSTED BUDGET: $509.00

Tags: Barcola, Churchill Downs, Curlin, Einstein, Horse Racing Handicapping, Horse Racing Selections, Jonesboro, Red Rock Creek, Stephen Foster, Stephen Foster Handicap