The GI Stephen Foster Stakes which is scheduled for Saturday, June 27 at Churchill Downs will have a pair of defections and leave the race with a field of five after C2 Racing's Mark Cornett said that Forged Steel (Vekoma) and Navajo Warrior (Candy Ride {Arg}) would both scratch.
The news was first reported by BloodHorse.
C2 Racing posted a June 13 workout by Forged Steel on X and said that the 4-year-old was making preparations for the GII Surburban Stakes at Saratoga July 4. Cornett, who is also Navajo Warrior's racing manager, told the BloodHorse that the decision to scratch the two runners was made as a courtesy to handicappers.
Willy D's (Lookin At Lucky), a Michael Maker trainee, is entered in the Foster and the Texas Turf Classic at Lone Star Park on Saturday.
Of course, Churchill's signature summer race will also include White Abarrio (Race Day), Sovereignty (Into Mischief), Baeza (McKinzie) and Magnitude (Not This Time).
FORGED STEEL, last out winner in the Hollywood Gold Cup (G2) worked 4F 48.09 at Saratoga this morning. Preparing for next start in the Suburban (G2) July 4th. pic.twitter.com/9EbjnNIp7g
— C2 Racing Stable (@C2RacingStable) June 13, 2026
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