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Henrietta Topham Makes Repeat Bid in Mint Julep

Heavenly Sunday has shown an affinity for Churchill Downs' courses.

Henrietta Topham wins the 2023 Mint Julep Stakes at Churchill Downs

Henrietta Topham wins the 2023 Mint Julep Stakes at Churchill Downs

Coady Photography

Henrietta Topham attempts to defend her crown while making her seasonal debut June 2 in the $250,000 Mint Julep Stakes (G3T) at Churchill Downs.

On this stage a year ago, the daughter of Lemon Drop Kid surged from behind and pulled off the upset in the Mint Julep. However, unlike this year, the Cambus-Kenneth Farm homebred had the benefit of two prior races in the spring under her belt. After the season ended on a sour note with three straight sixth-place finishes in the summer and fall, Henrietta Topham received a freshening.

Video: Old Forester Mint Julep S. (G3T)

Trainer Geoff Mulcahy will bring the 6-year-old mare back from her seven-month break in a spot that proved successful before. A five-time winner from 16 starts, a solid run to start her year will push Henrietta Topham over the half-million-dollar mark in earnings.

Among her eight challengers is Miacomet Farm's multiple graded stakes winner Heavenly Sunday, who has shown an affinity for both of Churchill Downs' courses.

Facing yielding turf in the May 3 Modesty Stakes (G3T) going 1 1/8 miles, the daughter of Candy Ride  took her customary spot in the front but was caught late and finished fourth by 1 1/4 lengths. She appears on paper to be the pace in the race. With her first start of the year under her belt, trainer Brad Cox will be hopeful the 4-year-old filly can score her third win at the 1 1/16-mile distance.

The Mint Julep is race 7 with post time of 3:50 p.m. ET.

Entries: Old Forester Mint Julep S. (G3T)

Churchill Downs, Sunday, June 2, 2024, Race 7

  • Grade IIIT
  • 1 1/16m
  • Turf
  • $250,000
  • 4 yo's & up Fillies and Mares
  • 3:50 PM (local)
PPHorseJockeyWgtTrainerM/L
11Safeen (KY)Keeneland Sales GraduateLuis Saez118Eddie Kenneally12/1
22Henrietta Topham (KY)James Graham118Geoff Mulcahy8/1
33Fuente Ovejuna (GB)Keeneland Sales GraduateLanfranco Dettori118Brendan P. Walsh20/1
44Be My Sunshine (KY)Keeneland Sales GraduateJoel Rosario118Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.8/1
55Excellent Question (KY)Keeneland Sales GraduateIrad Ortiz, Jr.118Brendan P. Walsh15/1
66Immensitude (FR)Flavien Prat118William I. Mott4/1
77Delahaye (KY)Keeneland Sales GraduateTyler Gaffalione118Chad C. Brown2/1
88Heavenly Sunday (KY)Keeneland Sales GraduateFlorent Geroux118Brad H. Cox5/2
99Misread (KY)Jose L. Ortiz118Thomas Drury, Jr.15/1