Stephen Foster Stakes Preview, Odds, and Picks (Jun 28)

Competitive graded stakes action is set for the U.S. this weekend, as Churchill Downs hosts the G1 Stephen Foster Stakes. The race was first staged back in 1892, and it will feature a field of seven runners, which could offer clues for the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Classic. You can find the odds and picks for the Stephen Foster Stakes here.

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How To Watch

• When: Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 6:03 PM ET
• Where: Churchill Downs, Kentucky
• How To Watch: FanDuel TV

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Odds

Horse	Odds
Mindframe	+187
Sierra Leone	+225
First Mission	+500
Hit Show	+700
Skippylongstocking	+900
Mystik Dan	+1000

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Match Preview

One of the most competitive summer Grade One’s in the United States is set for this weekend, as Churchill Downs hosts the Stephen Foster Stakes. The field of six runners will compete over 1 1/8 miles, and a purse of $1 million will be up for grabs.

This weekend’s race could have a big impact on the outlook for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, with two of the leading chances aiming to enhance their prospects at Churchill Downs.

Todd Pletcher’s Mindframe will be a hot favorite for the Grade One at Churchill Downs. The four-year-old has won four from six career starts, and made a dominant impression last time out when beating Banishing over seven furlongs in the G1 Churchill Downs Stakes. Back up in trip, but has winning experience over further than a mile.

READ More: U.S. Open Odds, Preview, and Picks (2025)

Chad Brown’s Sierra Leone was the Classic winner in 2024, but the superstar will need a return to form in 2025 after finishing only third on his reappearance at Fair Grounds in late March. But, proven back-class gives him every chance.

First Mission represents the Brad Cox yard in the feature at Churchill Downs on Saturday. He should stand strong claims based on his latest win in the G2 Oaklawn Handicap, beating Banishing by two lengths. The strength of that form gives him strong claims.

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Stephen Foster Stakes Picks

An ultra competitive renewal of the Stephen Foster Stakes is set for Saturday, and a number of contenders have leading claims. First Mission could boast an outstanding chance, as he has continued to improve in the care of Brad Cox.

Free Picks:

• First Mission