Kingsbarns came up with a breakthrough victory in the $1 million Stephen Foster (G1) at Churchill Downs on Saturday, earning a fees paid, automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).
The 4-year-old son of Uncle Mo gave Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher his first win in the Stephen Foster after 13 earlier attempts. Pletcher’s other entry, Dreamlike, finished last of eight.
“We’re extremely proud of this horse’s effort and for the entire team behind him,” Pletcher said. “Obviously winning a Grade 1 is a tremendous accomplishment.”
The last time Kingsbarns raced at Churchill Downs, he was a disappointing 14th in the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) after racing in contention until the stretch.
Prior to the Stephen Foster, Kingsbarns finished second in the Pimlico Special (G3) on May 17 behind Pyrenees, who was the runner-up this time. Skippylongstocking finished strong to get third, followed by 9-10 favorite First Mission, who set the pace before fading in the final furlong.
Steal Sunshine was fifth, followed by Disarm, Classic Causeway, and Dreamlike. Happy American was scratched.
Kingsbarns, ridden by Luis Saez, was sent off at odds of 9-1 and returned $21.90 on a $2 win wager. The bay colt, purchased for $800,000 by Spendthrift Farm, is now 3-for-4 with a runner-up finish this year, and 9-6-2-0 overall for earnings of more than $1.5 million.
After the Derby, the 2023 Louisiana Derby (G2) winner finished second by a neck in the Pegasus at Monmouth Park to finish his 3-year-old campaign. In 2024, he returned in March and won an optional claimer at Gulfstream Park, then won the Ben Ali (G3) at Keeneland on April 20 before the Pimlico Special.
“I think we’ve seen this year he’s been able to settle better than when he was a 3-year-old and show that new dimension,’’ Pletcher said. “He sat a perfect trip today and really kicked well when turning for home.”
Winning time for the 1 1/8 miles over a fast track was 1:48.09.
Ned Toffey, general manager of Spendthrift Farm, said he was a bit surprised with the win.
“We knew we were up against it, but Luis put him in a great stalking position, and when he asked him, he took off,’’ Toffey said.‘
The Stephen Foster is the first Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In’’ race to the BC Classic at Del Mar on Nov. 2.
In a pair of Grade 2 races on the undercard, Ottoman Fleet ($3.40) won the $500,000 Wise Dan Stakes and Scylla ($3.82) won the $500,000 Fleur de Lis Stakes.
In ungraded stakes, Closethegame Sugar ($4.88) won the $250,000 Kelly’s Landing, Brilliant Berti ($13.16) won the $250,000 American Derby, and Daning N Dixie ($11.78) won the Tepin Stakes.
