Stephen Foster or Brooklyn for Midway Road?

A decision is expected June 8 on whether William S. Farish's Midway Road will run in the $750,000 Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I), the main event on Churchill Downs' $1.85-million "Stephen Foster Super Saturday" scheduled for June 12, or in the $250,000 Brooklyn Handicap (gr. II) at Belmont Park the same afternoon.

Trainer Neil Howard said Midway Road, by Jade Hunter, remained "possible" for the 1 1/8-mile Foster. Midway Road is coming off a second-place finish to expected Foster contender Southern Image in the Pimlico Special (gr. I), and set a track record in victory in the Ben Ali Stakes (gr. III) at Keeneland prior to his Maryland appearance.

The last chance for Midway Road to fly to New York for the Brooklyn would be June 8. Listed as "definite" for the Stephen Foster are Southern Image, Peace Rules, and defending champion Perfect Drift. Southern Image and Peace Rules are scheduled to arrive at Churchill June 8, while Perfect Drift is based at Churchill'sTrackside Louisville training center.

Other "possibles" for the Foster include Best Minister and Colonial Colony.

Meanwhile, Iron County Farm's Bare Necessities completed her serious preparation for the $400,000 Fleur de Lis (gr. II) with a six-furlong breeze at Arlington Park for trainer Frank Kirby. The 5-year-old Silver Deputy mare covered the distance in 1:12.60 over a fast track.

Last year's Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I) winner Adoration is scheduled to arrive at Churchill June 8. The David Hofmans-trained mare will carry highweight of 122 pounds in the Fleur de Lis. Others considered likely for the 1 1/8-mile race are Cat Fighter, Roar Emotion, Yell, Angela's Love, Indy Groove, and La Reason. Humana Distaff Handicap (gr. I) winner Mayo On the Side is listed as "possible" for the race.