Churchill Downs hosted a defining moment in the handicap division Saturday as Mindframe captured the $1-million Stephen Foster Stakes by one length, cementing his position among the nation’s top older horses.
The Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable-owned “TDN Rising Star” overcame his previous tendency to be his own worst enemy, delivering a professional performance under jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. for trainer Todd Pletcher.
The victory guarantees Mindframe a spot in this year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar — the same race fellow “TDN Rising Star” Sierra Leone won en route to championship honors last fall.
First Mission broke sharply from the inside post under Luis Saez, with Mindframe quickly joining him on the outside. Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan secured a ground-saving position just behind the leaders, while Sierra Leone settled at the back as expected.
As the field turned for home, Mindframe demonstrated newfound maturity despite briefly lugging inward at the eighth pole. Sierra Leone, who had made a sweeping middle move under Flavien Prat, appeared to idle briefly before finding his best stride late, but couldn’t catch the determined winner.
The top three finishers created a notable “TDN Rising Star” trifecta, with First Mission holding third over Kentucky Derby hero Mystik Dan.
Mindframe completed the 1 1/8 miles in 1:47.48 over a fast track.
[Spoiler Alert] The victory represents significant redemption for the Constitution colt who squandered potential Grade I wins last year in both the Belmont Stakes and Haskell Stakes when inexperience caused him to shy away from his competition in the final furlongs.
“He’s really matured,” Pletcher said. “We always knew the talent was there, but he needed to put it all together mentally. Today he showed what he’s capable of when he stays focused.”
The Maryland-bred colt earned “Rising Star” status after a dominant 14-length maiden victory at Gulfstream last March. Following bone bruising that ended his sophomore campaign, Mindframe returned with a win in the Gulfstream Park Mile in March before capturing the Churchill Downs Stakes on the Kentucky Derby undercard.
Mindframe, who will retire to Claiborne Farm when his racing career concludes, has now won five of seven career starts with earnings of $1,844,580.
Sierra Leone, the Chad Brown-trained son of Gun Runner, collected $198,200 for second, while Godolphin homebred First Mission earned $99,100 for third.
The Stephen Foster victory honors the tremendous Maryland-based program of Mindframe’s late breeder Larry Johnson. The colt is out of Pink Ribbon Stakes winner Walk of Stars, a half-sister to Charles Town Oaks winner Strike The Moon.
Walk of Stars has also produced 3-year-old colt Lonesome Road, a yearling colt by Jack Christopher, and a full-sister to Mindframe foaled May 11.
Mindframe takes the G1 Stephen Foster at @churchilldowns under @iradortiz for trainer Todd Pletcher! 🏆 @RepoleStable
🎥 TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/8XAz8KEsYd
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires)
Mindframe takes the G1 Stephen Foster at June 28, 2025
