Stephen Foster: Mystik Dan, Sierra Leone gallop ahead of rematch

Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Sierra Leone returns to Churchill Downs for the first time since his narrow runner-up finish to Mystik Dan in Kentucky Derby 2024, this time as the 5-2 morning line favorite in Saturday’s Grade 1, $1 million Stephen Foster.

Sierra Leone had an easy gallop Wednesday morning with his co-owner Derrick Smith and Chad Brown assistants Jose “Baldo” Hernandez and Michele Dollase watching intently from the clocker’s stand.

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The Stephen Foster will mark the first meeting between Sierra Leone and Mystik Dan at Churchill Downs since their dramatic three-horse photo finish in last year's Kentucky Derby, where Mystik Dan edged Sierra Leone and Forever Young by a scant nose.

Mystik Dan returned to the Churchill Downs winner’s circle last month with a 1 1/4-length score in the Blame Stakes (G3), the local prep for the Stephen Foster. The Kenny McPeek-trained colt has three of his four career wins beneath the twin spires.

Mystik Dan galloped early Wednesday morning under retired jockey Robby Albarado, who holds the record for most wins in the Stephen Foster after he won the race in three straight years aboard Flashy Bull, Curlin and Macho Again from 2007 to 2009.

Brian Hernandez Jr. has the call on Mystik Dan in Saturday’s race.

“He worked last Saturday in company with Gould’s Gold, and it was phenomenal,” Hernandez said. “He did everything just like we wanted him to, and his gallop out was very impressive. He looks like he’s going into this race well and on the right track. The nice thing about him right now is his mind is really good.”

Run at 1 1/8 miles, the Stephen Foster headlines a 12-race program that also includes the Fleur de Lis (G2), a win-and-you’re-in race for the Breeders' Cup Distaff.

First post is 12:45 p.m. EDT with the Stephen Foster scheduled as Race 11 at 6:03 p.m.