June 18, 2011
The $500,000 Stephen Foster Handicap (G1) is the third richest race at Churchill Downs after the Kentucky Derby and Oaks, and is an important early prep for the Breeders' Cup Classic which will be run at the historic oval in November. A field of 11 went to post in this 1 1/8 mile main track feature, with Regal Ransom sent off as the lukewarm 9-2 favorite off 2 straight runner-up finishes, in the Sir Shackleton Handicap at Gulfstrea and the Alyshebe Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs. In to challenge him included 49-10 Giant Oak, fifth in the Alysheba last out, and 5-1 Duke of Mischief, off his win in the Charles Town Classic (G3).
Regal Ransom went to the lead first time past the stands and he set fractions of 23.96, 48.74, and 1:13.37 over the fast track while being pressed by Mission Impazible to his outside. Entering the stretch, Regal Ransom tired badly allowing Mission Impazible to inherit the lead through 1 mile in 1:37.88. Pool Play, last on the turn, came out very wide into the lane and closed with a rush to catch Mission Impazible in the final strides to win by a neck in 1:50.52. It was another 1 1/4 lengths back to 11-2 Apart third, while favorite Regal Ransom finished last.
Results chart from DRF
