GI Kentucky Derby hero Mystik Dan (Goldencents) will square off against old foe, GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic winner, and 'TDN Rising Star Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), plus G1 Dubai World Cup champ Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}) and GISW sprinter and 'TDN Rising Star' Mindframe (Constitution) in next Saturday's 44th running of the $1-million GI Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs, which is a “Win and You're In” qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Classic.
The last time Mystik Dan and Sierra Leone faced one another was in the 2024 Derby, when the former took home the coveted title by a nose over the latter.
Run at nine panels, the Stephen Foster headlines a 12-race program beneath the Twin Spires that also includes the 50th running of the GII Fasig-Tipton Fleur de Lis Stakes, which is a “Win and You're In” race for the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff. Horse of the Year and 'TDN Rising Star Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) takes on four others.
Supporting stakes on the undercard include the GII Wise Dan Stakes; the GIII Kelly's Landing Stakes; the American Derby Stakes; and the Tepin Stakes.
First post is 12:45 p.m. (all times Eastern) with the Stephen Foster scheduled as the 11th race at 6:03 p.m.
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