My Top Picks for the Stephen Foster Stakes at Ellis Park

The Grade 1 Stephen Foster Stakes at Ellis Park promises an exhilarating day of racing. With a $1 million prize purse and a field of eight talented contenders, this 1 1/8-mile dirt race is the highlight of the program. Let’s explore my top three picks for this prestigious event: Proxy, Rattle N Roll, and Last Samurai.

Proxy: As the favorite with morning line odds of 4-1, Proxy boasts a solid 7.71 rating from Horse Racing Nation. With recent victories in the Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap and impressive performances at Santa Anita Park, this five-year-old horse has demonstrated his competitiveness. Trained by Michael Stidham and ridden by Joel Rosario, Proxy is a strong contender from the No. 1 gate.

 

Rattle N Roll: Trained by Kenneth McPeek, Rattle N Roll is a legitimate contender in the Stephen Foster Stakes. With odds of 4-1, this four-year-old colt has secured wins in several graded events, including Keeneland Race Course, Pimlico Race Course, and Churchill Downs. Bred in Kentucky, Rattle N Roll has consistently achieved HRN Speed Figures of over 100, showcasing his potential. Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. will guide him from the No. 4 gate.

Last Samurai: Positioned as a live longshot at 6-1 odds, Last Samurai adds an element of excitement to the race. Trained by the legendary D. Wayne Lukas, this five-year-old horse has a solid racing career, including a fourth-place finish in the Grade 2 Alysheba Stakes and a second-place finish in the Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap. With wins at Churchill Downs, Colonial Downs, and Oaklawn Park, Last Samurai has the ability to surprise.

On Saturday, July 1, these three formidable contenders will vie for victory in the Stephen Foster Stakes at Ellis Park. I’d key Proxy on the top of tri and ex wheels and box all three to cover all positions.