'We couldn't be happier': Maxfield set for Stephen Foster

With only one loss in seven career starts, Maxfield has proven himself, despite injuries, to be a top contender every time he enters the gate. The 4-year-old son of Street Sense returns to action Saturday in the Stephen Foster (G2) at Churchill Downs.

Trainer Brendan Walsh praised the colt ahead of the race.

“He’s been working very well, we couldn’t be happier,” Walsh told Horse Racing Nation. “Everything has gone according to plan, so we look forward to Saturday."

Maxfield comes into the Stephen Foster off a win in the Alysheba (G2) on April 30 at Churchill. He could be embarking on another multiple-race winning streak, after his undefeated record was snapped in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) in March.

He will face off Saturday against a field that likely will include another recent stakes winner, Silver Dust. The 7-year-old gelded son of Tapit won the Ben Ali (G3) at Keeneland last out.

Visitanta, who finished second to Maxfield in the Alysheba, also is expected for the race.

Maxfield will be ridden by Jose Ortiz in the Stephen Foster. Walsh said he was not looking for a specific type of trip from the colt.

“We just let him do his thing, really,” Walsh said. “He can be close up, he can be behind as he’s proven before. So we’ll see how the race comes out, we’ll see how much speed is in there.”

Walsh has not picked a destination for Maxfield after the Stephen Foster.

“We’ll get through Saturday first, and then we’ll go from there,” Walsh said.

Walsh also gave an update on Extravagant Kid, who finished second in the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot on Tuesday. The 8-year-old gelded son of Kiss The Kid is staying in England and likely will run in the July Cup (G1) at Newmarket on July 10.

“It seems like he’s doing really well there,” Walsh said. “He ran great at Ascot so we’ll give him a little bit of time there and maybe then run him back in the July Cup.”