Horse Racing News

Flashy Bull grabs Stephen Foster Handicap

Jun 16, 2007, 23:20 GMT

Louisville, KY - Flashy Bull, ridden by Robby Albarado, held off trainer Todd Pletcher's Magna Graduate down the stretch to capture Saturday's $829,500 Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs. This was the fourth straight win for the four-year-old.

The 1 1/8 mile Stephen Foster is an early indicator leading to the Breeders' Cup Classic this year at Monmouth Park in October.

The pace was set by Mr. Umphrey, who was entered by Richard Dutrow, Jr. as a rabbit for Diamond Stripes. Mr. Umphrey took the lead shortly after the start and led the field around the first turn and up the backstretch.

Entering the far turn Wanderin Boy and Flashy Bull moved together to the lead followed by Diamond Stripes. The favorite, Master Command, found himself wide on the final turn and was never able to challenge for the lead.

Flashy Bull took the lead at the top of the stretch and quickly opened a four length lead. In deep stretch Magna Graduate was bumped by Diamond Stripes, but still was able to close on the leader.

Flashy Bull held on for a head victory over Magna Graduate with Diamond Stripes a half-length back in third. Rounding out the order of finish was Jonesboro, Wanderin Boy, Master Command, Wiggins and Mr. Umphrey.

The time for the Stephen Foster Handicap was 1:48.63 on a fast track.

Flashy Bull is owned by West Point Thoroughbreds and trained by Kiaran McLaughlin. McLaughlin is also the trainer of Horse of the Year Invasor.

'It was fabulous,' said McLaughlin. 'This horse is just a different horse this year. Its just amazing what a different horse he is from last year, from three to four-years- old.'

This was Flashy Bull's second stakes win of the year and his first with Albarado in the saddle. The gray horse won the Willam Schaefer Handicap at Pimlico on Preakness Stakes Day.

Albarado is the regular jockey of Preakness winner Curlin. Earlier on the card Albarado won the Early Times Mint Julep Handicap with Quite a Bride.

'Kiaran told me that I might want to give him the first jump as hes a little racy,' Albarado said, 'but with the amount of speed in the race it was pretty easy getting him back. I saw a little traffic trouble in the first turn, but I was on the outside of it so I got a clear trip the whole way. I squeezed on him turning for home, and he went right on.'

The Foster win was worth $498,863 to Flashy Bull's bankroll, pushing it to more than $800,000. He has won five of 18 lifetime starts.

Flashy Bull returned $14.20, $6.80 and $4.40. Magna Graduate paid $4.20 and $3.60, and Diamond Stripes paid $3.80 to show.

© 2007 The Sports Network