2026 Stephen Foster Stakes Contenders Entries

Jun 23, 2026 CDRT Track Team

2026 Stephen Foster Stakes Contenders: Meet the Horses Entered in Churchill Downs' $2 Million Summer Showdown

The 2026 Stephen Foster Stakes field features one of the deepest collections of older dirt horses assembled anywhere in North America this year.

Headlined by reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty, Breeders' Cup Classic winner White Abarrio, Dubai World Cup winner Magnitude, and Grade I winner Baeza, the 45th running of the $2 million Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs has attracted a championship-caliber lineup. The winner will earn an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup Classic through the 'Win and You're In' Challenge Series, adding even more significance to one of the summer's premier races.

For racing fans searching for the latest Stephen Foster entries, the seven-horse field includes multiple Grade I winners, international champions, and rising stars looking to make their mark beneath the Twin Spires.

2026 Stephen Foster Stakes Entries

Who Are the Top Horses in the 2026 Stephen Foster Stakes Field?

The 2026 Stephen Foster Stakes brings together champions from multiple generations, including Kentucky Derby winners, Breeders' Cup champions, and international Grade I winners. Below is a closer look at each horse entered in the race.

Sovereignty Returns to Churchill Downs

Among the leading Stephen Foster Stakes contenders is Godolphin's Sovereignty, who will make his first start beneath the Twin Spires since winning the Kentucky Derby.

Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, Sovereignty went on to secure Horse of the Year and Champion 3-Year-Old Male honors following victories in the Belmont Stakes, Jim Dandy Stakes, and Travers Stakes. He began his 4-year-old campaign with a runner-up finish behind fellow Stephen Foster horse White Abarrio in the Oaklawn Handicap.

A return to Churchill Downs gives fans an opportunity to see one of racing's brightest stars compete once again at the track where he launched his championship season.

Career Record: 10 starts, 6 wins, 3 places
Earnings: $6,079,050

White Abarrio Brings Championship Credentials

White Abarrio enters the 2026 Stephen Foster Stakes as one of the most accomplished older horses in training.

The seven-year-old captured the Breeders' Cup Classic and Pegasus World Cup during his distinguished career and most recently defeated Sovereignty by two lengths in the Oaklawn Handicap. Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., White Abarrio returns to Churchill Downs for the first time since competing in Kentucky Derby 148.

His consistency at the highest levels of the sport makes him one of the most accomplished horses in the Stephen Foster Stakes field.

Career Record: 26 starts, 11 wins, 3 places, 3 shows
Earnings: $8,445,170

Magnitude Returns After Dubai World Cup Triumph

Few Stephen Foster entries arrive with more momentum than Magnitude.

The Steve Asmussen trainee enters the race off a victory in the Dubai World Cup, one of the richest races in the world. The son of Not This Time has won three consecutive races, including the Clark Stakes at Churchill Downs and the Razorback Handicap.

Having already proven himself over the Churchill Downs surface, Magnitude brings international credentials and exceptional recent form into the Stephen Foster Stakes.

Career Record: 13 starts, 7 wins, 2 places, 1 show
Earnings: $8,544,365

Baeza Continues His Rise Among Top Older Horses

Baeza is another accomplished member of the Stephen Foster Stakes field with a résumé that includes a Grade I victory in the Pennsylvania Derby.

The son of McKinzie defeated Magnitude in that race and later finished third in the Kentucky Derby. Following a transfer to Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, Baeza made his first start for the stable on Kentucky Oaks Day when he finished a troubled third in the Alysheba Stakes.

His combination of proven class and continued development makes him one of the most intriguing Stephen Foster horses to watch.

Career Record: 10 starts, 2 wins, 3 places, 3 shows
Earnings: $1,717,200

Forged Steel Looks to Build on Hollywood Gold Cup Victory

Forged Steel earned his place among this talented group with a dominant performance in the Hollywood Gold Cup.

The son of Vekoma won by 9 ½ lengths and enters the Stephen Foster off the most impressive performance of his career. Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., the four-year-old continues to develop against increasingly stronger competition.

Career Record: 18 starts, 5 wins, 3 places, 3 shows
Earnings: $416,130

Navajo Warrior Earns His Spot in the Stephen Foster Stakes Field

Navajo Warrior arrives at Churchill Downs after a decisive victory in the Pimlico Special.

The five-year-old has won nine of his 17 career starts and enters the race in excellent form. Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., Navajo Warrior will attempt to add another significant victory to his growing résumé against some of the sport's biggest names.

Career Record: 17 starts, 9 wins, 2 places, 2 shows
Earnings: $452,609

Willy D's Brings Experience to the Stephen Foster Entries

Rounding out the Stephen Foster entries is Willy D's, a durable and accomplished runner from the barn of Mike Maker.

The five-year-old has recorded seven victories during his career, including wins in the Kentucky Cup Classic at Turfway Park and the Lake Ouachita Stakes at Oaklawn Park. Drawn on the rail, Willy D's will seek to add the biggest victory of his career against one of the strongest fields assembled this season.

Career Record: 27 starts, 7 wins, 7 places, 2 shows
Earnings: $303,040

Why the 2026 Stephen Foster Stakes Field Is One of the Strongest in Recent Memory

What Makes the Stephen Foster Stakes Important?

The Stephen Foster Stakes is one of North America's premier races for older dirt horses and serves as a Breeders' Cup Classic 'Win and You're In' qualifier. The winner receives an automatic berth into the Breeders' Cup Classic and has all entry fees covered.

Which Major Races Have These Stephen Foster Horses Won?

Collectively, the Stephen Foster horses have won the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, Travers Stakes, Breeders' Cup Classic, Pegasus World Cup, Dubai World Cup, Pennsylvania Derby, Hollywood Gold Cup, and Pimlico Special.

Why Is the 2026 Stephen Foster Stakes a Key Summer Race?

With a $2 million purse and championship implications, the 2026 Stephen Foster Stakes serves as one of the most important races on the road to the Breeders' Cup. The field combines proven champions and emerging stars, creating one of the most compelling racing events of the summer season.

When the gates open beneath the Twin Spires on June 27, racing fans will witness a field worthy of the Stephen Foster's growing reputation as one of North America's premier Grade I events.