Maxfield Much the Best in Stephen Foster
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Photo: Coady Photography
Maxfield soars home in the Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs
Jose Ortiz knew how much horse he had.
Despite racing sixth early aboard Godolphin's Maxfield in the $600,000 Stephen Foster Stakes (G2), the Eclipse Award-winning rider had only to give the slightest signal to run as the field entered the final turn June 26 at Churchill Downs.
Responding with a powerful blitz that put eight rivals well in his wake, the 4-year-old Street Sense colt circled wide to inhale rival Sprawl , who had taken the lead after pressing the pace set by longshot Empty Tomb . Maxfield coasted to the finish under a hand ride from Ortiz, getting 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.53.
Warrior's Charge ran second after getting squeezed at the start, while Sprawl held on for third.
The Stephen Foster is a Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In" event for the Nov. 6 Longines Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar, granting Maxfield an automatic berth in the marquee race of the World Championships.
This story will be updated.