Mandaloun, Olympiad Set to Clash in Saturday’s Grade II, $750,000 Stephen Foster
At 0h04, on July 2, 2022 • By CHURCHILL DOWNS
Seven of the country’s top older horses, led by multiple graded stakes winners Mandaloun and Olympiad, are set to compete in Saturday’s Grade II, $750,000 Stephen Foster at Churchill Downs.
The 1 1/8-mile Stephen Foster is a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” event toward the $6 million Classic held at Keeneland on Saturday, Nov. 5. The winner of the Stephen Foster will receive their entry fees paid to the Classic along with a travel stipend if they are located outside the state of Kentucky.
In the Stephen Foster, Juddmonte’s 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,” trainer Brad 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.
Jockey Florent Geroux will be back aboard Mandaloun, who drew post No. 6.
