Contending Horses Compete in the 44th Annual Stephen Foster Stakes Race
Revamped Race Preview:
Ready to dive into the BIGGER-than-ever Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs on June 28th? Here's a lowdown on the talent-filled field that'll steal the spotlight in the 2025 racing calendar. Let's take a closer look at these seven titans gearing up for the epic showdown!
1 First Mission (Cox/Saez, 4-1): Power duo Brad Cox and Luis Saez are a force to be reckoned with. Having dominantly stomped the Oaklawn Handicap in April, this Street Sense offspring has six victories, and a stellar record of finishing in the top three in nine of twelve starts, earning over $2 million. Keep an eye on this standout.
2 Mindframe (Pletcher/Ortiz Jr., 7-2): The combination of Todd Pletcher and Irad Ortiz Jr. is a recipe for success with Mindframe, the lightly raced son of Constitution. With two impressive wins beneath the twin spires in his resume, this horse is a vital contender for your exotic wagers with four victories and two seconds from six career starts.
3 Skippylongstocking (Joseph Jr./Ortiz, 6-1): With two wins and two thirds from four runs this year, Skippylongstocking, a son of Exaggerator, is a formidable contender. He romped home with the Hollywood Gold Cup in his last performance and boasts an impressive record of $3 million in career earnings. While a win may be a tall order, he's certainly capable of snatching a slice of the prize.
4 Sierra Leone (Brown/Prat, 5-2): Notching victories without diving below third place, Sierra Leone holds a prestigious record of ten career starts. The 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic champ makes its second appearance as a four-year-old contender. With barnstorming performances and that legendary late run, Sierra Leone can claim the victory if Prat can secure early maneuvers.
5 Mystik Dan (McPeek/Hernandez Jr., 3-1): Fresh off a triumphant return to winning ways in the Blame Stakes at Churchill, Mystik Dan, the 2024 Kentucky Derby champion, appears in top form. If jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. can orchestrate another classic rail ride, this son of Goldencents is headed for the winner's circle—our top pick for this raucous race!
6 Hit Show (Cox/Geroux, 9-2): Dazzling the world with his breathtaking win in the 2025 Dubai World Cup, Hit Show carries the hopes of racing enthusiasts, despite the potential challenges of his first start post-trip. With earnings of $8.4 million, this Candy Ride offspring bolstered by a pedigree in stakes company, he's a frontrunner for the title, as are all the contenders.
7 Ashcroft (Lukas/Leparoux, 30-1): With a sentimental nod to long-time trainer D. Wayne Lukas, Ashcroft enters the competition with two wins from twelve races, and none in the prestigious stakes company. Despite the long odds, Lukas' experience in the sport dictates that the horse deserves a spot in the race. Can Ashcroft defy expectations and pull off an upset under Leparoux? Only time will tell!
The Stephen Foster Stakes is a $1 million Grade 1 race over 1 1/8 miles on dirt, showcasing a rich and historical lineup of older horses.Set to air live on FanDuel TV at 6:03 pm ET on June 28th, you won't want to miss this critically-acclaimed mid-year battle royale among the premier athletes of the sport. These seven powerhouses, each carrying their unique strengths, form arguably the most sensational lineup ever seen in the Stephen Foster Stakes—setting the stage for a truly extraordinary race!
In the context of horse racing, here are two sentences containing the given words:
- Stephen Foster, like Churchill Downs, is closely associated with horse-racing, specifically the Stephen Foster Stakes, a prestigious Grade 1 race.
- Brad Cox, a renowned horse-trainer, will saddle Mystik Dan, the former Kentucky Derby champion, in the upcoming Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs on June 28th.
