Kentucky-bred Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner Sierra Leone and Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mystik Dan headline the 44th running of the $1 million Stephen Foster Stakes (G1) at Churchill Downs, Saturday, June 28. A “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), the Stephen Foster also attracted Dubai World Cup (G1) winner Hit Show.
Sierra Leone, owned by Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg Limited and Brook T. Smith, concluded his 3-year-old season with a victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar. The 4-year-old son of Gun Runner has prepared for the Stephen Foster at trainer Chad Brown’s New York base. He will be ridden in the Stephen Foster by Flavien Prat.
Stephen Foster Stakes a Rematch between Sierra Leone and Mystik Dan
The Stephen Foster will mark the first meeting between Sierra Leone and Mystik Dan since their dramatic three-horse photo finish in the Kentucky Derby where Mystik Dan edged Sierra Leone and Forever Young (JPN).
Mystik Dan, campaigned by 4 G Racing, Lance Gasaway, Daniel Hamby III and Valley View Farm, won last month’s Blame S. (G3), Churchill’s prep for the Stephen Foster. Brian Hernandez Jr. retains the mount.
Hit Show, winner of the $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) on April 5, will make his first start since that performance. Owned by Wathnan Racing and trained by Brad Cox, the 5-year-old son of Candy Ride (ARG) has also won the Lukas Classic (G2) and Fayette S. (G2). He will be ridden by Florent Geroux. Cox will also send out First Mission, a son of Street Sense owned by Godolphin. Luis Saez will ride.
Another top older horse in the race is Daniel Alonso’s Kentucky-bred Skippylongstocking. Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., Skippylongstocking finished third in last year’s Stephen Foster to Kingsbarns. The son of Exaggerator won the Gold Cup (G2) at Santa Anita and the Challenger S. (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs.