Sierra Leone got it done when it counted the most winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic for Chad Brown under Flavien Prat at Del Mar. (Ernie Belmonte/Past the Wire)
At Churchill Downs for Saturday’s $1 Million Stephen Foster
Darren Rogers/Churchill Downs
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Breeders’ Cup Classic (Grade I) winner Sierra Leone returns to Churchill Downs for the first time since his narrow runner-up finish to Mystik Dan in Kentucky Derby 150, this time as the 5-2 morning line favorite in Saturday’s $1 million Stephen Foster (GI).
Sierra Leone, owned by Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg Limited and Brook T. Smith, had an easy gallop Wednesday morning with his co-owner Smith, along with Chad Brown’s two assistants Jose “Baldo” Hernandez and Michele Dollase watching intently from the clocker’s stand.
The Stephen Foster will mark the first meeting between Sierra Leone and Mystik Dan at Churchill Downs since their dramatic three-horse photo finish in Kentucky Derby 150 where Mystik Dan edged Sierra Leone and Forever Young by a scant nose.
Sierra Leone first work at Churchill Downs.
.@BreedersCup Classic winner Sierra Leone is at @ChurchillDowns for the Stephen Foster. A victory would earn him an automatic spot back in the Classic. pic.twitter.com/OVFWorC8m0
— Sean Collins (@BH_SCollins) June 25, 2025
Mystik Dan, campaigned by 4 G Racing, Lance Gasaway, Daniel Hamby III and Valley View Farm, returned to the winner’s circle last month with a 1 ¼-length score in the Blame Stakes (GIII) – the local prep for the Stephen Foster. TheKenny McPeek-trained colt has won three of his four career wins beneath the historic Twin Spires at Churchill Downs.
Mystik Dan galloped early Wednesday morning under retired jockey Robby Albarado, who holds the record for most wins in the Stephen Foster after he won the race in three straight years aboard Flashy Bull (2007), Curlin (2008) and Macho Again (2009).
Brian Hernandez Jr. has the call on Mystik Dan in Saturday’s race.
Mystik Dan out on the track at Churchill Downs.
2024 @KentuckyDerby winner Mystik Dan training this morning for the June 28 Stephen Foster Stakes. pic.twitter.com/DkbYHKCNjH
— Sean Collins (@BH_SCollins) June 25, 2025
“He worked last Saturday, in company with Gould’s Gold, and it was phenomenal,” Hernandez said. “He did everything just like we wanted him to and his gallop out was very impressive. He looks like he’s going into this race well and on the right track. The nice thing about him right now is his mind is really good.”
Run at 1 1/8 miles, the Stephen Foster headlines a blockbuster 12-race program beneath the Twin Spires that also includes the 50th running of the $500,000 Fasig-Tipton Fleur de Lis (GII), a “Win and You’re In” race for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Supporting stakes include the $500,000 Wise Dan (GII); $250,000 Kelly’s Landing (GIII); $250,000 American Derby (Listed); and $250,000 Tepin (Listed).
Mindframe working in company at Churchill Downs.
Mindframe (outside), undefeated this year, had a great work this morning at Saratoga.
— Repole Stable (@RepoleStable) June 21, 2025
Mindframe is ready for the Grade 1 Stephen Foster next Saturday at Churchill Downs.
Looks like a great field for the race with Mystik Dan and Sierra Leone and others.@claibornefarm… pic.twitter.com/jI2B6vw4kC
First post is 12:45 p.m. (all times Eastern) with the Stephen Foster scheduled as Race 11 at 6:03 p.m.
The field for the Stephen Foster
The Stephen Foster is part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series with the winner receiving an all-entry fees paid berth to the $7 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic on Saturday, Nov. 1 at Del Mar
Saturday’s card will feature a special $3 All Turf Pick 3 that includes the trio of turf stakes contests: the Wise Dan, American Derby and Tepin. The bet, which will have a horseplayer friendly 15-percent takeout, begins with the Tepin Stakes in Race 8.
Also on Saturday, the winning connections from Kentucky Derby (Sovereignty) and Kentucky Oaks (Good Cheer) 151 will be in attendance and honored with their trophies in the Woodford Reserve Winner’s Circle. The Derby trophy ceremony will take place following Race 9 at approximately 5:05 p.m. with the Oaks trophy ceremony happening after Race 8 at approximately 4:30 p.m.
Fans can watch and wager on all the action from Stephen Foster day at www.twinspires.com, the official wagering provider of Churchill Downs Incorporated.
