June 13, 2009
The $600,000 Stephen Foster Handicap (G1) is the second richest race at Churchill Downs after the Kentucky Derby. A field of 8 older horses went to post in this 1 1/8 mile main track feature, with Einstein sent off as the 6-5 favorite exiting wins in the Santa Anita Handicap in March and then the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic in May. In to challenge him included 7-2 second choice Researcher, winner of the Charles Town Classic in April and 5-1 third choice Asiatic Boy, making his North American debut after finishing a well-beaten 12th in the Dubai World Cup.
Finallymadeit set a slow early pace of 24.13, 48.13, and 1:12.71 over the fast track with Researcher stalking him a length behind. Favorite Einstein bobbled at the start and was back in 5th in traffic early. At the top of the lane, Finallymadeit tired to eventually finish 7th as a cavalry charge ensued. Macho Again, who was last through the first 5 furlongs, came into the lane 5 wide to take over a short lead in midstretch through 1 mile in 1:37.22. Einstein was stuck down on the rail and got through late, while Asiatic Boy, 6th early, closed on the outside. Macho Again pulled away in the final 1/16 to finish 1 length in front in 1:49.75. Asiatic Boy on the outside nosed out Einstein on the inside in a photo for second, and it was a neck back to Arson Squad and Bullsbay in a dead-heat for fourth.
Results chart from DRF
