Notes on the Stephen Foster (G1) Day Program
June 12th, 2009By Jude T. Feld
Stephen Foster – Wrote the Kentucky State Song and Kentucky Derby Anthem “My Old Kentucky Home”
My Old Kentucky Home
The sun shines bright in the old Kentucky home,
‘Tis summer, the people are gay;
The corn-top’s ripe and the meadow’s in the bloom,
While the birds make music all the day.
The young folks roll on the little cabin floor,
All merry, all happy and bright;
By ‘n’ by Hard Times comes a-knocking at the door,
Then my old Kentucky home, goodnight.
CHORUS
Weep no more my lady
Oh! weep no more today!
We will sing one song for the old Kentucky home,
For the Old Kentucky Home far away.
Churchill Downs racing secretary Ben Huffman has assembled a magnificent afternoon of racing for horsemen and fans alike. The weather should be great and the prices should be square.
7TH RACE) Jockey James Graham gave EL CRESPO a lot to do in the Arlington Classic and he came up short against Giant Oak. Top turf rider Julien Leparoux takes the reins on the G. Watts Humphrey homebred this afternoon and there are no Giant Oaks in the Jefferson Cup (G2). ADVICE was impressive winning Keeneland’s Coolmore Lexington (G2). A bit difficult to ride, the son of Chapel Royal tries turf for the first time. Jockey Garrett Gomez seems to fit him like a glove. NO INFLATION has run best on the grass and has a nice pressing style. He should have a say in the outcome.
8TH RACE) Hot Darley stallion Medaglia d’Oro will be represented by WARRIOR’S REWARD in the Northern Dancer (G3). The $180,000 Keeneland yearling has a touch of class. His allowance victory on May 1 was flattered when runner-up Munnings came back to crush his foes in the Hirsch Jacobs (G3) on Belmont (G1) day. Hollywood’s favorite jockey, Calvin Borel, only adds to the appeal.
9TH RACE) With her solid recent form and a fondness for Churchill Downs, high-weighted MISS ISELLA is the logical favorite in the Fleur de Lis (G2). If you are searching for a price, consider TEMPLE STREET. A daughter of Street Cry, the $20,000 Keeneland yearling, who has banked over $192,000, stretches out for the first time today. Her pace figures are competitive and she runs like the added real estate would be appreciated.
10TH RACE) ASIATIC BOY is a world-class competitor. He has been training well and gets a two-pound break in the weights from EINSTEIN in the Stephen Foster (G1). If trainer Kieran McLaughlin has him ready to roll, it could be a walk in the park. BULLSBAY seems super sharp right now. He is favorably weighted and could pull the upset with underrated rider Jeremy Rose in the irons. EINSTEIN is one of my all-time favorite horses. I still think he is best on the turf, but there is no denying his versatility. He must shoulder 124 lbs. this afternoon and that is just about where his performance is affected by his impost.
11TH RACE) Trainer Darrin Miller seems to excel with fillies like EXCELENTE. The Irish-bred miss seems crying out for more distance and the mile and one-eighth of the Regret (G3) should be right up her alley. PRYTANIA always gives her best and draws the services of Julien Leparoux. She could easily take down the top prize with her patented closing kick.
