Girvin under consideration for Stephen Foster

Girvin, who became a Grade 1 winner last year in the Haskell Invitational, could resume racing at that level next month in the Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs.

“It’s definitely a possibility, definitely on the radar,” trainer Joe Sharp said.

Sharp said Girvin came out of his runner-up finish in the Grade 3, $200,000 Steve Sexton Mile on May 6 at Lone Star Park in excellent condition. The $500,000 Stephen Foster will be run June 16.

Girvin, who is owned by Texas resident Brad Grady, was making his first start of the year in the Steve Sexton Mile. He rallied from last and for his second-place finish to Bee Jersey earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 90.

Sharp, who now has Girvin back at his Churchill base, said he is considering an equipment change for the horse’s next start.

“Brad and I have talked about adding blinkers next out to get him a little more involved early,” Sharp said. “All in all, we were pleased with his comeback race and how he came out of it. I think Bee Jersey is a legitimate horse. We’ll hear from him the rest of the year. As far as us, we need a little more distance. But I think we accomplished what we wanted to – other than winning.”

Girvin established himself as one of last year’s top 3-year-olds with wins in the Risen Star and Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds and the Haskell at Monmouth Park. He is a son of Tale of Ekati.

The Stephen Foster will be run at the same 1 1/8-mile distance as the Louisiana Derby and Haskell. It carries Win and You’re In status for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, which will be run Nov. 3 at Churchill.