Stephen Foster Stakes 2024 Picks: First Mission, Skippylongstocking 

Just like the 3-year-olds males division, the handicap division is up for grabs and looking for a leader. A big effort in the Stephen Foster could lead to a start in the BC Classic.

Thanks. Glad to hear about your super week!

@@JarrodHorak Jarrod , just looking back , our Country was indated , with a Serious Rainy Spring and Record rains out west . Many training Days missed . Three Smart Trainers, who were stabled both Hot Springs and Fairgrounds . Were Smart enough to move Horses to their Fairgrounds train , Ship Back , take advantage of the Form to score at Hot Springs, and the series at Fairgrounds was strong enough to set Horses up for the “ Triple Crown Trail “. The one Trainer as old School as he was and had the Stock , personnel , that responded to his Style , save one . Looking Forward, Will the west coast catch up ? Will the East coast form finally start firing ? Those Midwest Derby’s , will bring new Shooters ,Will they be fast enough ? The Leading National trainer ,has had to over come a lot , he still presses forward . Something to Reflect on , things that make you go “ Hmmmm “ .

@@johnljacksonjr5074 Extreme weather patterns have been causing trainers to adjust. They always want to have a regular routine for all of their horses but it does not always work out that way. As handicappers, we need to take each case on an individual basis. Some horses need strong morning activity and others do not. I always look for gaps in works and try to figure out if it was intentional or not. So many things to think about when handicapping a horse race.

Disarm is a contender. We will find out where he fits in the Handicap Division after the Foster.

The Handicap Division is without a leader this year. Just like the 3-year-olds, they take turns beating each other. If no leader emerges soon, the BC Classic will be wide open.

I have always liked First Mission. I am rooting for him to run a quality race and would not be upset if he won.

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I am easing my way into summer. Things really heat up next month with Saratoga, Haskell, and Del Mar.

@@JarrodHorak yes.. nothing like August in Saratoga