Churchill Downs presents a star-studded Stephen Foster Stakes this Saturday featuring a combined $26 million in earnings among its seven entrants — the richest field in the race’s storied history.
The $1-million GI Stephen Foster, a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, brings together winners of prestigious events including the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Kentucky Derby, and Dubai World Cup.
‘TDN Rising Star’ Sierra Leone enters as the 5-2 morning-line favorite. The son of 2017 Foster/Classic winner Gun Runner looks to join Curlin (2007-2008) and Fort Larned (2012-2013) in completing the Classic/Foster double. Sierra Leone earned a field-best 112 Beyer when victorious at Del Mar last November before finishing third behind Touchuponastar in the GII New Orleans Classic three months ago in his only start this season.
Mystik Dan (Goldencents) aims to make history as the first Kentucky Derby winner to capture the Foster. After disappointing runs in the GI Malibu Stakes and GI Pegasus World Cup, the homebred rebounded with a close second in the Lake Ouachita Stakes before winning the GIII Blame Stakes on May 31.
“He worked last Saturday, in company with Gould’s Gold, and it was phenomenal,” said jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr. “He did everything just like we wanted him to and his gallop out was very impressive. He looks like he’s going into this race well and on the right track.”
Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}) shocked the racing world by winning this year’s Dubai World Cup on April 5. The 5-year-old gray now attempts to follow Street Cry (2002) and Curlin (2008) by adding a Foster victory to his World Cup triumph. After winning the GIII Louisiana Stakes and finishing third in the GI Santa Anita Handicap, Hit Show validated Wathnan Racing and trainer Brad Cox’s decision to travel to Dubai with his impressive victory.
‘TDN Rising Stars’ First Mission and Mindframe add significant depth to the field. First Mission enters off a two-length victory in the GII Oaklawn Handicap, earning a career-best 109 Beyer. Mindframe, runner-up in last year’s GI Belmont Stakes and GI Haskell Stakes, captured the GI Churchill Downs Stakes on May 3 and may provide the early pace from gate two.
Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator) brings impressive credentials with 11 wins from 32 starts and $3.6 million in earnings. He enters off a victory in the GII Hollywood Gold Cup on May 26.
Ashcroft (Munnings) completes the field as a longshot entrant.
## ‘Anna’ On Recovery Mission In Fleur de Lis
Reigning Horse of the Year and ‘TDN Rising Star’ Thorpedo Anna returns as the prohibitive favorite in the GII Fasig-Tipton Fleur de Lis Stakes, which offers an automatic berth to the GI Breeders’ Cup Distaff.
The $40,000 Fasig-Tipton October yearling purchase secured divisional and Horse of the Year honors after defeating Raging Sea in last year’s Distaff. She extended her winning streak with victories in the GII Azeri Stakes and GI Apple Blossom Handicap to begin her 4-year-old campaign before a disappointing last-place finish in the GI Fasig-Tipton La Troienne Stakes on May 2.
“It looks like it took the breath out of her,” said trainer Ken McPeek about the La Troienne performance. “That’s really all we could figure out that happened. Talking to Brian Hernandez, Jr., he said she got hit pretty good. Any way you look at it, she didn’t run well.”
McPeek added, “In the meantime, we’ve just sort of taken our time and it’s been nearly two months since her last run and we’re really optimistic she can get back to her top form.”
Calumet Farm’s Gin Gin validated her 38-1 upset in the GIII Baird Doubledogdare Stakes with a solid second in the GIII Shawnee Stakes on May 31. La Troienne runner-up Taxed will need significant improvement to challenge the favorite.
In the GIII Kelly’s Landing Stakes, Booth seeks his fifth consecutive victory but faces a formidable challenger in California shipper Dr Venkman from trainer Mark Glatt.
The GII Wise Dan Stakes features Brillant Berti as the likely favorite following his runner-up finish to Mercante in the GIII Arlington Stakes. Fort Washington enters off a victory in the GIII Dinner Party Stakes at Pimlico, while Mi Hermano Ramon ships in after a narrow second in the GI Shoemaker Mile.
## ‘Patches’ Resurfaces In the Highlander
Woodbine hosts five graded stakes on Saturday as part of the Canada Day Racing Festival, including an appearance by Canada’s reigning Horse of the Year.
Patches O’Houlihan makes his second start of the season in the GII Highlander Stakes, looking to maintain his perfect turf record. The homebred son of Reload is 2-for-2 on grass, including last October’s GII Nearctic Stakes over the same course and six-furlong distance. After finishing behind Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner Nobals in the GII Kennedy Road Stakes, he returned with a four-length victory in the May 4 Thorncliffe Stakes. This marks his first appearance since being scratched from the GIII Jacques Cartier Stakes on May 31.
Caitlinhergrtness, winner of the 2024 King’s Plate, returns to turf in the GII Nassau Stakes. The Omaha Beach filly won an allowance over 7 1/2 furlongs last July, finished third in the GI QE II Challenge Cup in October, and enters off a five-length victory in the GIII Belle Mahone Stakes on synthetic.
The card also features sophomore colts in the GIII Marine Stakes, fillies in the GIII Selene Stakes, and a competitive field of eight in the GIII Dominion Day Stakes.
