Effinex coming for Foster

LOUISVILLE, Ky . - It’s still nearly a month until the $500,000 Stephen Foster Handicap is run on a multistakes card June 18, but the Grade 1 race already has a clear-cut favorite: Effinex, who has resumed a regular work schedule at Belmont Park after winning the Oaklawn Handicap in his last start April 16.

Trainer Jimmy Jerkens reaffirmed this week via text message that the Foster – a Win and You’re In event toward the Nov. 5 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita – is next for Effinex. A 5-year-old New York-bred, Effinex breezed five furlongs Monday in 1:01.60. Jerkens has said Effinex most likely will race only in New York after the Foster in prepping for the Classic.

Effinex won the Grade 1 Clark at Churchill last November after finishing second to American Pharoah in the BC Classic at Keeneland.

Other known prospects for the 1 1/8-mile Foster include Majestic Harbor and Eagle, the one-two finishers in the Grade 2 Alysheba here May 6.

◗ Spots are still available at $150 apiece for the annual Buck Wheat Memorial golf scramble on June 6 at nearby Audubon Country Club. All proceeds benefit the Backside Learning Center at Churchill. Further information is available at backsidelearningcenter.org.