How to bet with, and against, Maxfield in Stephen Foster Stakes

Grade 1 winner #8 Maxfield (4-5) is the clear-cut favorite in Saturday’s $600,000 Stephen Foster S. (G2) at Churchill Downs. The Brendan Walsh pupil has been brilliant in his career with six wins from seven starts, including a dynamic tally in the Alysheba S. (G2) on the surface on Kentucky Oaks Day. Below I have wagering suggestions for those in the camp of the "chalk," and also for those who will try to upend the colt.

With Maxfield on top

Cashing a lucrative ticket with Maxfield in the win pool will require a handsome investment, so nailing the vertical exotics seems like a more enticing adventure, in my opinion.

I expect the pace of the nine-furlong race to be average, which will make things hard for the deep closers to make an impact. #2 Empty Tomb (30-1) impressed me with a recent allowance victory on the strip and offers a lot of value at a huge number. Maker trainee has never been a factor at a level like this one, but he figures to receive a good trip over a surface that he runs well upon.

#6 Warrior’s Charge (6-1) is the likely pacesetter in the cast with Geroux in the silks. Brad Cox trainee has not been in great form this season, but he is quick and has the back class to be a major player with his best effort.

Wager

• Exacta 8 with 2,6
• Trifecta 8 with 2,6 with all

Against Maxfield

It’s not easy to find holes in Maxfield, though he did record his only loss in his solo try going longer than 1 1/16 miles. I personally don’t think that the four-year-old has distance limitations, but I could be wrong.

I believe that in order to knock off Maxfield in this event you will have to beat him to the punch. It’s hard for me to see a contender running him down from behind if he gains the edge in the stretch.

The aforementioned pair, as well as #4 Sprawl (10-1), figure to be forwardly placed in the early going of the Stephen Foster. So I would suggest using each of the trio on top in vertical plays, with Maxfield in the second and third slots. Even if he runs a slightly subpar race, the favorite will be incredibly hard to keep out of the money on Saturday.

Wager

• Trifecta 2,4,6 with 8 with all
• Trifecta 2,4,6 with all with 8