Latest news with #StephenFosterStakes
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mindframe Defeats All-Star Cast In Stephen Foster
Mindframe Defeats All-Star Cast In Stephen Foster originally appeared on Paulick Report. Mindframe's future as a stallion at the Hancock family's Claiborne Farm had already been determined, but the 4-year-old Constitution colt further enhanced his resume on Saturday with a second consecutive Grade 1 victory over a top-class field in the $1-million Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Advertisement In what jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. called the "most professional race in his whole career," Mindframe tracked pacesetter First Mission from the start, moved to the front in mid-stretch, then held off late-running Sierra Leone – last year's G1 Breeders' Cup Classic winner – by one length. First Mission, coming off a win in the G2 Oaklawn Handicap, held third, 1 1/4 lengths farther back and a neck ahead of 2024 G1 Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan in fourth. Hit Show, winner of this year's G1 Dubai World Cup, finished fifth, with Ashcroft, the final Grade 1 entry for trainer D. Wayne Lukas, finishing last. Skippylongstocking was scratched. Favored at 9-5, Mindframe paid $5.76 to win after covering nine furlongs on a fast main track in 1:47.48. First Mission set all the fractions, going the first quarter in :23.94, a half-mile in :47.94, six furlongs in 1:11.46, and a mile in 1:34.93. "We're just incredibly proud of him for how he was able to stretch out his natural speed today," said Mindframe's trainer, Todd Pletcher. "Sierra Leone came with a huge run around the turn and he had to hold off some top-class horses and was able to do so." The Stephen Foster, first run in 1982, is a "Win and You're In" Breeders' Cup Challenge Series racing, providing the winner with an automatic fees-paid berth to the Breeders' Cup Classic, to be run at Del Mar on Nov. 1. Advertisement Pletcher was winning the Stephen Foster for the second time, after taking the 2024 running with Kingsbarns. He races for the partnership of Vincent and Teresa Viola's St. Elias Stables and Mike Repole's Repole Stable. Bred in Maryland by R. Larry Johnson, Mindframe was purchased from the Betz Thoroughbreds consignment at the 2022 Keeneland September Yearling Sale for $800,000. He was produced from the Street Sense mare Walk of Stars. Mindframe didn't race until March 30 of his 3-year-old campaign, but it was a memorable debut, winning a seven-furlong Gulfstream Park maiden race by 13 3/4 lengths and earning a 103 Beyer Speed Figure. He was similarly impressive next out, taking a Churchill Downs allowance/optional claiming event by 7 1/4 lengths on the undercard of the Kentucky Derby won by Mystik Dan. Mindframe's Beyer Speed Figure that day was 97 compared to 100 for Mystik Dan. Five weeks later, Mindframe made his stakes debut in the G1 Belmont Stakes, run at 1 1/4 miles at Saratoga while Belmont Park was being rebuilt. Sent away at 5-1, Mindframe challenged Dornoch in the stretch, poking his head in front briefly, but then drifted out late to lose to Dornoch by a half-length. Six weeks later he tackled Dornoch again in the G1 Haskell, but the result was the same. Mindframe was given the rest of the year off because of bone bruising, but was victorious on his return in the G2 Gulfstream Park Mile March 1. Next out in the seven-furlong Churchill Downs Stakes on Kentucky Derby day, Mindframe earned his first G1 triumph, winning by a neck over dead-heat runners-up Banishing and Nysos. Advertisement "To do what he's done in his career, never finished worse than second, just missed winning a classic in his third lifetime start, won a Grade 1 at seven furlongs and now nine furlongs," said Jacob West, bloodstock manager for Claiborne Farm in Paris, Ky., where Mindframe will enter stud at the end of his racing career. What's the year-end goal for Mindframe? "He's so versatile, he can do whatever he wants, whether it be the (Dirt) Mile, the Sprint, or the Classic," West added. "He's one of those horses. Todd said it a little bit ago – he's a generational horse because of what he's been able to do." The pace scenario for the Stephen Foster changed when Saffie Joseph Jr. opted to scratch Skippylongstocking, who was expected to be the speed in the race. Luis Saez seized the advantage by sending First Mission from the inside post position, but Mindframe never allowed him to get more than a one-length advantage. Sierra Leone, meanwhile, was last early as is his custom, but approaching the far turn Flavien Prat put the Gun Runner colt into contention with a three-wide move. Mindframe slipped away to a two-length lead with a furlong to run and while Sierra Leone cut that margin to a length at the wire, he wasn't a threat to the winner. 'He broke really sharp last time sprinting but we figured today might be a different scenario," Ortiz said of Mindframe. "He was able to track just off the pace and had a perfect trip. He had to come running. This was a really good field today and I'm really proud the way that he finished to hold off some of the best horses in the country right now.' Advertisement Prat said of Sierra Leone: "He came with a big run for me today but was just kind of grinding down the lane and just couldn't catch the winner. He tried hard but just didn't quite have enough punch today." This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Tough task awaits First Mission in Group 1 Stephen Foster Stakes
First Mission hopes to confirm his place among North America's top older middle-distance stars in a blockbuster edition of the G1 Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs on Saturday. The nine-furlong contest has attracted a stellar field that includes Dubai World Cup hero Hit Show, Breeders' Cup Classic scorer Sierra Leone, the 2024 Kentucky Derby victor Mystik Dan and recent G1 winner Mindframe. First Mission was fourth in the Stephen Foster 12 months ago but disappointed on his two other G1 appearances last year, failing to run any race at Gulfstream Park in the Pegasus World Cup and fading on a muddy track in the Whitney Stakes at Saratoga. Trained by Brad Cox, the Street Sense entire has posted four Graded Stakes wins, including a four-length verdict at Churchill Downs in the 2024 G2 Alysheba Stakes and comfortably taking the G2 Oaklawn Handicap on his latest start in April. Michael Banahan, Director of Bloodstock, Godolphin US, said: 'First Mission is coming into the Stephen Foster in excellent shape and Brad couldn't be more pleased with him. He had a very nice breeze last Saturday, which should set him up nicely to take on the heavy hitters of the older colt's division. 'This is a strong renewal of the Stephen Foster featuring last year's Breeders' Cup Classic winner, the Kentucky Derby winner and 2025 Dubai World Cup winner, plus the winner of last month's G1 Churchill Downs Stakes. 'We expect a big performance from First Mission and hope that this will be his coming out party at G1 level.' Siesta Key makes his three-year-old return for the same trainer in the American Derby later on the card. The Into Mischief colt, who is out of dual G1 winner Cocoa Beach, scored on debut before taking the Kitten's Joy Stakes at Colonial Downs but could only finish eighth in the G2 Bourbon Stakes at Keeneland's Fall Meet. Elsewhere, Speedy Godolphin galloper Austmarr returns to Eagle Farm for Saturday's G3 WJ Healy Stakes looking to atone for an unlucky defeat in the Listed Lightning Handicap three weeks ago. The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained mare, who has run all her best races from in front, appeared to dwell slightly at the start in the Lightning and then overraced three-wide back in the field under jockey Kerrin McEvoy. Austmarr turned for home in ninth place but was still able to accelerate when McEvoy found clear running and only just failed to overhaul the winner, Vodka Martini, in the final 50m of the 1,000m scamper. Back to 1,200m on Saturday, and with a clean getaway from her ideal barrier one, Austmarr only needs to replicate her Rosehill Gardens victory three starts back to claim a third victory at Stakes level. Austmarr burst from the gates at Rosehill and led all the way to win the G3 Birthday Card over 1,200m on 22 March with McEvoy in the saddle. The daughter of Exosphere was then caught wide early when she tried to repeat that effort in the G1 Robert Sangster Stakes at Morphettville five weeks later before being beaten 4.6 lengths by Charm Stone. Freshened-up prior to the Lightning, Austmarr again showed her quality with a great finish and, with even luck, must be one the leading Healy Stakes contenders on the limit weight. Her performance could decide whether the five-time winner races on next season. The Freedmans will also saddle-up promising three-year-old Trembles for Godolphin in the Sportsbet Race Previews Handicap over 1,000m at Caulfield. A winner at Mornington and Sandown in recent weeks, the daughter of Too Darn Hot and former G1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Earthquake will be chasing her winning hat-trick with Jye McNeil in the saddle.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Breaking Down The 44th Running Of The Stephen Foster Stakes
Churchill Downs will play host to the Stephen Foster Stakes on June 28 Danny Brewer The Thoroughbred racing season has many highlights. Certain events are always recognized as 'big' in the general sports fan's eyes as those are the ones they are most familiar with. What the casual horse racing fan must realize is there are many great races besides the Triple Crown Series and Breeders' Cup. As years pass and talent matriculates, certain races will be 'bigger' on certain occasions same as it is in college football. Tennessee- Alabama, Ohio State-Michigan, Florida-Georgia games are always 'big', but in certain years they are 'BIGGER' based on happenstance. The 44th running of the Stephen Foster at Churchill downs on June 28 features a talent-laden field that makes this race one of the 'BIGGER' ones on the 2025 calendar. Let's take a peek at the entrants and provide a thought on each. Horses will be listed by post position with trainer, jockey, and morning line odds. Projected post time is 6:03 eastern time and it is race 11 on the card. 1 First Mission (Brad Cox, Luis Saez 4-1 )- The trainer/jockey combo is one of the most dangerous in the game today. Having won the Oaklawn Handicap back on April 19, this son of Street Sense has six career victories and finished in the top three in nine of twelve career starts with just over $2 million in earnings. A player for sure. 2 Mindframe (Todd Pletcher, Irad Ortiz Jr. 7-2 )-Another excellent conditioner/pilot combination makes this lightly raced son of Constitution a threat. Won the 7 furlong Churchill Downs Stakes on Derby day in his last start and has two wins beneath the twin spires. With four wins and two seconds in six career starts he has to be in all your exotic wagers. 3 Skippylongstocking ( Saffie Joseph Jr., Jose Ortiz 6-1)-Two wins and two thirds in four starts this year. This son of Exaggerator won the Hollywood Gold Cup in his last start and was third in this race a year ago. Has banked over $3 million and his last twenty four starts have been in Stakes company. Do not think he wins but can absolutely get a piece of the pie. 4 Sierra Leone (Chad Brown, Flavian Prat 5-2)-The 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic champ makes his second start as a four-year-old and has never finished worse than third in ten career starts. This son of Gun Runner has been brilliant at times and always comes with a big late run. Sometimes it is just too late. He will be there at the end and can win if his rider gets him in the race early. Mystik Dan came home first on May 31 in the Blame Stakes at Churchill Downs Julie Clark Coady Photography 5 Mystik Dan (Kenny McPeek, Brian Hernandez Jr. 3-1)-The 2024 Kentucky Derby Champion returned to wining ways on May 31 in the Blame Stakes at Churchill. Appears to be in top form coming into this one. If jock can work out another classic rail ride this son of Goldencents will be back in the winner's circle. Our top pick here. Hit Show is one of two Brad Cox trainees running in the Foster Renee Torbitt Coady Photography 6 Hit Show (Brad Cox Florent Geroux 9-2)- This son of Candy Ride shook up the world with a closing from the clouds win in the 2025 Dubai World Cup on April 5. Fourteen of his last fifteen starts have been in Stakes company but sometimes the first start back after a trip to Dubai can be challenging. Certainly a contender in this one…as they all are. 7 Ashcroft (D Wayne Lukas Julien Leparoux 30-1)- Will be the sentimental favorite because of his trainer. Only two wins in twelve starts and none in stakes company. Not sure he belongs here but goodness knows Mr. Lukas knows a heck of a lot more about this game than perhaps anyone ever. Can't win if you ain't in.
Forbes
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Stephen Foster 2025 Betting Preview: Showdown At Churchill Downs
Brian Hernandez Jr. rides Mystik Dan, right, to the finish line to win the 150th running of the ... More Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) Bettors are in for a treat Saturday as a loaded field of top older horses lines up for the 44th running of the $1 million Stephen Foster Stakes (G1) at Churchill Downs. The race, a "Win and You're In" for the Breeders' Cup Classic, features a compelling rematch between Kentucky Derby 150 winner Mystik Dan and Breeders' Cup Classic champ Sierra Leone, along with Dubai World Cup winner Hit Show, rising star Mindframe, and several other stakes-caliber contenders. Run at 1 1/8 miles, the Stephen Foster is the centerpiece of a 12-race card that also includes five other stakes, making it one of the most attractive wagering days of the Churchill Downs Spring Meet. First post is 12:45 p.m. ET, with the Foster set for 6:03 p.m. as Race 11. Let's break down the contenders with a focus on value, pace setup, and betting angles: Sierra Leone (Post 4 – Flavien Prat, Chad Brown) The likely favorite, Sierra Leone returns for his first start since dominating the Breeders' Cup Classic last fall. He's trained steadily at Brown's New York base and ships in fresh. He owns a win over 1 1/8 miles and is proven against top company. But bettors should weigh his 8-month layoff and potential lack of early speed, especially in a race that could favor forwardly placed runners. Mystik Dan (Post 5 – Brian Hernandez Jr., Kenny McPeek) The Derby winner offers strong horse-for-course appeal with three wins at Churchill and enters off a sharp victory in the Blame Stakes (G3) over this track. He's razor sharp and should sit a perfect stalking trip. If the price floats above 4-1, he may be the best value play in the race. Mindframe (Post 2 – Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher) Mindframe is the wildcard. He's 4-for-6 lifetime and enters off a victory in the Churchill Downs Stakes (G1) sprinting. The key question: can he carry his speed around two turns? Pletcher has stretched sprinters out successfully before, and Ortiz sticks. He'll be near the pace early and could control things if no one pressures him. Hit Show (Post 6 – Florent Geroux, Brad Cox) Fresh off a career-defining win in the $12 million Dubai World Cup, Hit Show looms as the class of the field. But he's been off since April and will be spotting fitness to sharper foes. Trainer Brad Cox wins 24% off layoffs and this 5-year-old can certainly win—but he may be an underlay given the circumstances. First Mission (Post 1 – Luis Saez, Brad Cox) A sneaky contender, First Mission exits a win in the Oaklawn Handicap (G2) and draws the rail. He'll need to use some early speed to avoid getting shuffled back, but Saez is aggressive and Churchill has been kind to inside speed horses. He's capable of upsetting the apple cart with the right trip. Skippylongstocking (Post 3 – Jose Ortiz, Saffie Joseph Jr.) A battle-tested 6-year-old with back-class, 'Skippy' exits wins in the Gold Cup (G2) and Challenger (G3). He was third in this race last year and thrives at this distance. If the pace gets hot up front, he'll be one to watch flying late at a price. Ashcroft (Post 7 – Julien Leparoux, D. Wayne Lukas) The longest shot in the field, Ashcroft steps way up in class and looks overmatched on paper. He's more of a pace factor than a win candidate. With a Breeders' Cup Classic berth on the line and major betting value throughout the field, the 2025 Stephen Foster shapes up as a can't-miss race for fans and horseplayers alike. You can get the picks and plays over at
