Louisville, KY (Sports Network) - Colonial Colony, winless over much of
the last two years, posted a major upset Saturday in the $750,000 Stephen
Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs.
The Stephen Foster attracted four of the top older thoroughbreds in
training. This year"s leading handicap horse, Southern Image, was trying
to extend his five race winning streak. Peace Rules came into the race on a
two race winning streak. Also entered were Perfect Drift and Midway Road.
As expected, Peace Rules jump out quickly to take the lead in the 1 1/8 mile
race. Running close behind was Southern Image, Midway Road and Best Minister. Last year"s Foster winner, Perfect Drift, was running fifth waiting to begin his kick.
Heading into the final turn Colonial Colony came from the outside to join the
leaders. Colonial Colony had been running last in the six horse field.
Around the turn Colonial Colony and Perfect Drift made it a four horse charge
joining Peace Rules and Southern Image. At the top of the stretch Colonial
Colony and Southern Image drew away from the field and battled to the wire.
The two were dead even down the stretch when they hit the wire.
By the closest of margins, 62-1 longshot Colonial Colony nosed out 3-2
favorite Southern Image. The time for the Stephen Foster was 1:50.40.
Finshing third was Perfect Drift followed by Peace Rules, Best Minister and
Midway Road.
Colonial Colony was ridden by Rafael Bejarano for owner Lakeside Farms and
trainer Walter Bindner. The six-year-old gelding had not won in his last 12
starts. The $450,000 brings his career earnings to more than $760,000.
Colonial Colony returned $127.20, $22.00 and $5.40. Southern Image paid $3.40
and $2.60, and Perfect Drift paid $3.40 for show.
Earlier in the day, Kentucky Derby trophies were presented to the winning
connections of Smarty Jones. Patty and Roy Chapman were honored as the
winning owners and breeders of the three-year-old. Also receiving a trophy
was winning trainer John Servis.
Smarty Jones is currently resting at Philadelphia Park. Servis has not
finalized the colt"s schedule for the remainder of the year. The leading
three-year-old is a definite to run in the Pennsylvania Derby and the
Breeders" Cup Classic.
