Horse Racing News: Godolphin’s First Mission Headlines Competitive Field for $1 Million Stephen Foster Stakes (G1)
The stage is set for the 43rd running of the prestigious $1 million Stephen Foster Stakes (G1) at Churchill Downs next Saturday, June 17th. Leading the field of nine older horses is Godolphin’s talented homebred First Mission, an impressive winner of the Alysheba Stakes (G2) on the Kentucky Oaks undercard.
First Mission, a 4-year-old son of Street Sense trained by Brad Cox, will be ridden by jockey Florent Geroux from post position 2. The five-time winner has an impressive résumé that includes graded stakes victories in the Lexington Stakes (G3) at Keeneland and the Essex Handicap (G3) at Oaklawn Park.
Adding to the competitive nature of the Stephen Foster are several other top contenders, including Daniel Alonso’s eight-time winner Skippylongstocking. Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., the 5-year-old son of Exaggerator enters the race off a two-length score in the Oaklawn Handicap (G2) on April 20. Jockey Jose Ortiz will have the mount from post 9.
The Stephen Foster field also features a pair of Todd Pletcher trainees in 2023 Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Kingsbarns and Pennsylvania Derby (G1) runner-up Dreamlike, as well as Winchell Thoroughbreds’ 2023 Travers (G1) runner-up Disarm, Alexandres’ multiple graded stakes winner Il Miracolo, and Gulfstream Park Mile (G2) victor Steal Sunshine.
The Stephen Foster is the highlight of a stakes-filled program at Churchill Downs on June 17th, which also includes the $500,000 Fleur de Lis (G2), $500,000 Wise Dan (G2), $250,000 American Derby (Listed), $250,000 Kelly’s Landing (Listed), and $250,000 Tepin (Listed). First post is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. Eastern, with the Stephen Foster field going to post at 6:03 p.m.
The Stephen Foster is part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series and is a “Win and You’re In Classic Division” race. The winner will earn a free automatic entry into the November 2nd Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar.
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