Monday, June 15, 2009

Macho Again Takes Stephen Foster

Churchill Downs

Macho Again was unhurried early but worked his way into contention before striking the lead with a furlong to run and drew away to win Saturday's Grade I Stephen Foster Handicap by a length. Ridden by Robby Albarado, Macho Again was sent of at odds of 7/1.

Asiatic Boy settled into stride while racing midpack but then moved into contention at the head of the stretch while four wide. There was much bumping between Asiatic Boy and Einstein with 3/16th of a mile to run but Asiatic Boy held the place position by a nose over that one.

Einstein had a very troubled trip in this race. He bobbled at the start to get away slowly and then was forced to check at the 7/8 marker. After that, he was bottled up between horses down the backstretch and he then found a bit of a seam at the head of the stretch before the bumping between him and Asiatic Boy as they both sought the same hole. Einstein was shuffled back and finally found room but it was too late and he settled for third.