Mindframe Takes Major Step Forward, Defeats Sierra Leone in the Stephen Foster Stakes

Confirming His Top Form, He Shone at Churchill Downs and Secured a Spot in the Breeders’ Cup Classic

Mindframe Continues to Rise Among Older Horses / CHURCHILL DOWNS

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).-In a true clash of titans—one of those races that justify every cent invested in this industry and that had been billed as one of the great moments of the 2025 calendar—Mindframe delivered on all his promise with a career-defining win in the G1 Stephen Foster Stakes, held Saturday at Churchill Downs with $1 million in purse money.

Under a precise ride from Irad Ortiz Jr., the Constitution colt justified his favoritism, digging deep to hold off a furious late rally from champion Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) by a length, earning an automatic berth into the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) via the “Win and You’re In” scheme.

Bred in Maryland by R. Larry Johnson and racing for Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable, the Todd Pletcher trainee completed the 1800 meters (9f) in a sharp 1:47.48, the fourth-fastest time in Stephen Foster history, behind only Victory Gallop (1:47.28, 1999), Tom’s d’Etat (1:47.30, 2020), and Fort Larned (1:47.45, 2013).

The race unfolded with both tactical intrigue and electric action. Breaking alertly from the rail, First Mission (Street Sense) shot to the front, tracked closely by Mindframe, while Mystik Dan (Goldencents), winner of the 150th Kentucky Derby (G1), settled comfortably inside waiting for racing room. Further back, Sierra Leone broke a bit flat-footed but began to close ground powerfully down the center of the track.

Entering the final turn, Ortiz sent Mindframe after First Mission, collared him with relative ease, and surged into command without needing his full arsenal. In the final 300 meters, Sierra Leone loomed as the main danger with a devastating late kick, but Mindframe showed steel and courage to maintain his advantage to the wire.

First Mission finished third, 1 1/4 lengths behind Sierra Leone, while Mystik Dan ran a close fourth, another neck away. Hit Show (Candy Ride), the recent Dubai World Cup (G1) hero, was never a factor.

“This time the pace was different from his last race, but he was always well-positioned and responded with authority,” Ortiz said. “He really had to run today, and he did it against top-class horses.”

Trainer Todd Pletcher was full of praise for his colt’s continued progress: “We knew he had speed, but today he showed he has heart and stamina as well. Beating Sierra Leone in a stretch battle is no small feat.”

With this victory, the 4-year-old Mindframe improved his record to five wins from seven starts, boosting his earnings to $1,844,580, and positioning himself as a formidable contender for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Classic, scheduled for November 1 at Del Mar.

American racing continues to deliver world-class performances, and if Saturday at Churchill Downs proved anything, it is that Mindframe is ready to take on all comers, wherever and whenever the challenge arises.