Stephen Foster Handicap Field Set; Curlin Draws the Rail

Nine rivals will take on 2007 Horse of the Year Curlin in Saturday's 1 1/8 mile Stephen Foster Handicap (GI) at Churchill Downs. Although Student Council did not enter the race (like Steve Asmussen guessed he would after he saw the weight assignments) Curlin will face an honest field that includes Donn Handicap (GI) winner Brass Hat and Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (GI) winner Einstein. Because there will be at least one Grade I winner in the race, the purse will increase from $750,000 to $1 million.

Other horses to note in the other Stephen Foster Day stakes races include: Derby contenders Pyro, Recapturetheglory and Visionaire in the Northern Dancer (GIII); Pure Clan, Absolutely Cindy and Zee Zee in the Regret (GII); and Halo Najib and Old Man Buck in the Jefferson Cup.

Early thoughts on possible singles in Pick 3s and 4s include Hystericalady in the Fleur De Lis (GII) and Dreaming of Anna in the Mint Julep (GIII) -- they are both heavyweights at 121 and 123 pounds in their respective handicaps.

Stephen Foster Handicap Horse Jockey Weight 1 Curlin Albarado 128 2 Delightful Kiss Mena 114 3 Sam P. Desormeaux 113 4 Einstein (BRZ) Leparoux 118 5 Grasshopper Gomez 117 6 High Blues Lanerie 113 7 Red Rock Creek Bridghohan 113 8 Jonesboro Theriot 114 9 Barola Castanon 113 10 Brass Hat Borel 116