Trainer Brad Cox reported June 17 that Juddmonte's 2021 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) winner Mandaloun is on target for the $750,000 Stephen Foster Stakes (G2) 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 (G1) 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 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 Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" event for the $6 million Longines Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) Nov. 5 at Keeneland.
Stephen Foster Day also will include the $350,000 Fleur de Lis Stakes (G2) older fillies and mares. This year's running of the 1 1/8-mile race is not a Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" event, though it is part of the Breeders' Cup Dirt Dozen, which awards bonus credits toward the Breeders' Cup for first through third-place finishes.
