Effinex Assigned Stephen Foster High Weight

Tri-Bone Stables' grade I winner Effinex has been made the 122-pound high weight for the $500,000 Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I) June 18 at Churchill Downs.           

For 3-year-olds and up, the Stephen Foster is part of the Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" series in which the winner will earn a guaranteed starting berth in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) at Santa Anita Park Nov. 5.

            

In addition to Effinex, winner of last year's Clark Handicap Presented by Norton Healthcare (gr. I) and winner of the Oaklawn Handicap (gr. II) last out, possible starters for the 1 1/8-mile race—according to stakes coordinator Dan Bork—include Majestic Harbor (118), Eagle (117), International Star (116), El Kabeir (115), and Mobile Bay (115).

            

Effinex, the $2,682,950-earner who finished second Triple Crown winner American Pharoah   in last fall's Breeders' Cup Classic, is expected to arrive at Churchill from his New York base the morning of June 12 around 10:30 a.m. EDT, according to stall manager Steve Hargrave. He tuned up for the Stephen Foster with a June 9 breeze on the training track at Belmont Park.

NOVAK: Effinex, Unified Set for Stakes Engagements

The Foster is one of five stakes races on June 18, which is a "Downs After Dark Presented by Stella Artois and El Jimador" event that starts at 6 p.m. EDT. The card also features the $200,000 Fleur de Lis Handicap (gr. II) for fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles; the $200,000 Wise Dan (gr. IIT)—formerly the Firecracker—for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles on turf; the $100,000 Matt Winn (gr. III) for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles; and the $100,000 Regret (gr. IIIT) for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/8 miles on turf.

 

The fields for those Foster undercard stakes are beginning to take shape. Possible starters for the Fleur de Lis are Untapable(120 pounds), Ahh Chocolate (118), Brooklynsway (117),Big Book (115), and Paid Up Subscriber (114).

      

Possible starters for the Wise Dan are Behesht, Conquest Typhoon, Flatlined, Kasaqui, Pleuven, Thatcher Street, The Pizza Man, Trace Creek, and Za Approval.

            

Possible starters for the Matt Winn are Conquest Windycity, Gun Runner, and Yo Carm.

            

Possible starters for the Regret are Auntie Joy, Dothraki Queen, Gone Away, La Piba, and Try Your Luck.