Trainer Brad Cox reported Friday that Juddmonte's 2021 Kentucky Derby (Grade 1) winner Mandaloun is targeting the $750,000 Stephen Foster Stakes (G2) on July 2 at Churchill Downs.
Mandaloun, who won last year's Derby following the disqualification of Medina Spirit, finished ninth in the $20 million Saudi Cup (GI) in his last start. Following the Saudi Cup, Mandaloun was delayed in his return to the U.S. but has been steadily working at Churchill Downs since May 8.
“He's been doing great training over this track so it makes sense to target a race like the Foster that is at home,” Cox said. “We kept our options open but this race you don't have to ship and can run out of your own stall.”
Since the race debuted in 1982, there have been no winners of both the Kentucky Derby and Stephen Foster.
The Stephen Foster is a “Win and You're In” event for the $6 million Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) on Nov. 5 at Keeneland. The winner will have their entry fees paid and a shipping stipend if they are located outside the state of Kentucky.
NBC will broadcast the action on Stephen Foster Day from 4-6 p.m.
The scheduled 12-race card also will include the $350,000 Fleur de Lis (G2), the Stephen Foster's counterpart for fillies and mares 4-year-olds and up. This year's 47th running of the 1 1/8-mile race is not a Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In” event for the $2 million Distaff (G1) but is part of the Dirt Dozen series where a portion of the entry fees would be paid to the top three finishers.
Nominations to both the Stephen Foster and Fleur de Lis close Saturday.
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