My Old Kentucky Home: Stephen Foster Day Selections

Even though he's carrying 10 more pounds than everyone else, it's hard to go against Curlin today in the Stephen Foster Handicap. My Pick Four partner and I singled him in our Pick Four, but did use Einstein in our Pick 3s. Also, I like Ballymore Lady at 15-1 as my value play of the day in the Mint Julep Handicap (GIII).

Here are my thoughts on the stakes races on the Stephen Foster card:

Race 6: Fleur De Lis Handicap (GII)
I thought that Cowgirls Don't Cry was a good spoiler, but she has scratched, which makes it really hard to play against Hystericalady here -- consider using her as a single in Pick 3s.

Race 7: Regret (GIII)
I expect Zee Zee to look very similar to the way she did in the Edgewood Stakes at Churchill on Derby week -- the one to beat. Magical Theater and Miss Mafioso are two who looked great last out over the Churchil turf, both have a chance to impress this stakes debut.

Race 8: Northern Dancer (GIII)
I know it's not exciting, but I really think it's down to the three Derby horses here, will be using Recapturetheglory, Pryo and Visionaire in Pick4s and Pick 3s accordingly.

Race 9: Jefferson Cup (GII)
I'm going to play against Halo Najib here and like Bobby Blue Eyes and Go West Bert, sticking with today's theme of "previous success over the track." Wicked Style certainly didn't have success here last out, but could improve second off of a layoff, and will use accordingly.

Race 10: Stephen Foster Handicap (GI)
It's obviously hard to play against Curlin here, although I will use Einstein in a Pick 3 in case the "back from Dubai" curse is a factor (it wasn't an issue for Benny The Bull last week).

Race 11: Mint Julep Handicap (GIII)
Just beaten here on Derby Day, Dreaming of Anna looks like a hard one to beat, but I really like Ballymore Lady, who looked great in her allowance win last out at Churchill, but has also been working bullets at this track like it's her job.