Churchill Downs announced the field for next Saturday’s 44th running of the $1-million GI Stephen Foster Stakes, featuring a highly anticipated rematch between GI Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan (Goldencents) and ‘TDN Rising Star’ Sierra Leone (Gun Runner).
The Stephen Foster, a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, will also include G1 Dubai World Cup champion Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}) and GISW sprinter and ‘TDN Rising Star’ Mindframe (Constitution).
Mystik Dan and Sierra Leone last faced each other in the 2024 Derby, where Mystik Dan claimed the coveted title by a nose margin. The Stephen Foster, run at nine furlongs, sets the stage for their first meeting since that thrilling finish.
The marquee race headlines a 12-race program at Churchill Downs that includes several prestigious stakes events. Horse of the Year and ‘TDN Rising Star’ Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) will face four challengers in the 50th running of the GII Fasig-Tipton Fleur de Lis Stakes — a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the GI Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff.
Additional stakes on the undercard include the GII Wise Dan Stakes, the GIII Kelly’s Landing Stakes, the American Derby Stakes, and the Tepin Stakes.
First post is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. ET, with the Stephen Foster slated as the 11th race at 6:03 p.m.
