'Image' is favored in Stephen Foster
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Southern Image tops a formidable field of six for today's Stephen Foster Handicap, one of six graded stakes at
The 4-year-old Southern Image, who ran his wining streak to five by taking the Pimlico Special last month, will be tested by Peace Rules, defending champion Perfect Drift, and Midway Road.
Peace Rules, trained by Bobby Frankel, is coming off wins in the New Orleans Handicap and Oaklawn Handicap. Perfect Drift beat Horse of the Year Mineshaft in last year's Stephen Foster. Midway Road finished second in the Pimlico Special.
Best Minister and Colonial Colony round out the field for the 1 1/8-mile race.
Southern Image, a Florida-bred colt by Halo's Image, is the 6-5 morning-line favorite and carries highweight of 122 pounds with Victor Espinoza aboard. The colt's versatility may come in handy in the Stephen Foster.
Southern Image didn't make it onto the 2003 Derby trail, but has come around this year with wins in the Malibu, Barretts Classic Stakes, and Santa Anita Handicap before winning the Pimlico Special.
