Analyzing the 44th consecutive race of the Stephen Foster Stakes
Ready to dive into the 2025 Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs? This race promises a thrilling showdown with some of the best horses in the game. Here are the entrants you need to know:
- First Mission (Brad Cox, Luis Saez 4-1) - This Street Sense colt has quite the track record with 6 wins, 3 second places, and a 3rd place in 12 career starts. With over $2 million in earnings and a win at the Oaklawn Handicap, this horse is a force to be reckoned with.
- Mindframe (Todd Pletcher, Irad Ortiz Jr. 7-2) - Constitution's son is another strong contender. With 4 wins, 2 seconds, and a single third place in 6 career starts, this lightly raced horse is ready to make a splash. Having won the Churchill Downs Stakes on Derby day, Mindframe is definitely a horse to include in your exotic wagers.
- Skippylongstocking ( Saffie Joseph Jr., Jose Ortiz 6-1) - Exaggerator's offspring has been consistent with 2 wins, 2 third places, and a fourth in 4 starts this year. He took home the Hollywood Gold Cup in his last start, and though he may not win, he certainly has a chance to snag a piece of the prize.
- Sierra Leone (Chad Brown, Flavian Prat 5-2) - This Gun Runner colt is the 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic champ and has never finished worse than 3rd in 10 career starts. With a penchant for coming on strong late in the race, Sierra Leone could give the others a run for their money, but he'll need a strong early push to secure the win.
- Mystik Dan (Kenny McPeek, Brian Hernandez Jr. 3-1) - fresh off a win at the Blame Stakes, this Goldencents colt seems to be in top form heading into this race. With a classic rail ride, Mystik Dan could find himself back in the winner's circle. We've got our money on this guy as our top pick.
- Hit Show (Brad Cox Florent Geroux 9-2) - After a shocking win in the 2025 Dubai World Cup, Hit Show enters as a serious contender. Although the first race back can sometimes be challenging, he's definitely a horse to watch in this one.
- Ashcroft (D Wayne Lukas Julien Leparoux 30-1) - Despite a lackluster record with just 2 wins in 12 starts and zero wins in stakes company, Ashcroft is likely to be the sentimental favorite due to the legendary trainer, D. Wayne Lukas, behind the reins.
Mark your calendars! The race is set to start at 6:03 Eastern time, and it's the eleventh race on the card. Projected post time and the full lineup for the Stephen Foster Stakes can be found below:
Post Position - Horse - Trainer - Jockey - Odds1. First Mission - Brad Cox - Luis Saez - 4-12. Mindframe - Todd Pletcher - Irad Ortiz Jr. - 7-23. Skippylongstocking - Saffie Joseph Jr. - Jose Ortiz - 6-14. Sierra Leone - Chad Brown - Flavian Prat - 5-25. Mystik Dan - Kenny McPeek - Brian Hernandez Jr. - 3-16. Hit Show - Brad Cox - Florent Geroux - 9-27. Ashcroft - D. Wayne Lukas - Julien Leparoux - 30-1
On the 6th of June, 2025, at Churchill Downs, the best horses in horse-racing will compete in the 2025 Stephen Foster Stakes. Among these prominent horses is Stephen Foster entrant Mystik Dan, trained by Kenny McPeck and ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., who is favored with odds of 3-1. Churchill Downs will also witness the presence of World Cup winner Hit Show, trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Florent Geroux, with odds of 9-2.
