Stephen Foster Stakes At Churchill Downs Hosts Million-Dollar Field

The 2025 Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs on June 28 is a premier event marking the start of horse racing's second half, with a $1 million purse and a guaranteed spot in the Breeders' Cup Classic. The race features a star-studded field including 2024 Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan, last year's Breeders' Cup Classic winner Sierra Leone, and Dubai World Cup winner Hit Show, making it a key stepping stone toward the Breeders' Cup World Championships at Del Mar. Notably, First Mission, a consistent top-three finisher yet to win a Grade 1 race, is considered a contender, especially with jockey Luis Saez expected to adopt an aggressive strategy. Other stakes on the card include races honoring turf champions Tepin and Wise Dan, with horses like 2024 Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna aiming to rebound from recent performances. The day offers a rich mix of established champions and rising stars, underscoring its importance in the racing calendar and its role in shaping the season's championship races. Fans can watch the event on FanDuel TV, with betting insights available from experts highlighting the competitive nature of the field.