Effinex the High Weight in $500,000 Stephen Foster Handicap

Effinex has been installed as even-money favorite on the morning line and will carry a high weight of 122 pounds. A five-year-old son of Mineshaft, he is an eight-time winner and has one win from two starts this year. After a bad case of hives compromised his efforts in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and he finished third, he was back in the winner’s circle for the Oaklawn Handicap (G2) last time out. Gary Stevens has picked up the mount for trainer James Jerkens and they will break from post position three.

Majestic Harbor training strongly

Second choice at morning line odds of 5-1 is Majestic Harbor for trainer Paul McGee. An eight-year-old son of Rockport Harbor, the veteran competitor is a ten-time winner and has won two of his four starts this year. He was last seen winning the Alysheba Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs and has had a recent bullet workout. Corey Lanerie will be in the irons and they will break from post position four.

Eagle a consistent contender

Also in the field at morning line odds of 6-1 is Eagle for trainer Neil Howard. Bred and owned by W.S. Farish, the four-year-old colt is a son of Candy Ride (ARG) and has been on the board in twelve of his fourteen starts. He will be trying to earn his seventh career victory and was second behind Majestic Harbor last time out. Brian Hernandez, Jr. will be aboard and they will break from the outside post.