Magnitude Prepares for Stephen Foster at Churchill

Winchell Thoroughbreds' Dubai World Cup (G1) winner Magnitude continued his preparation toward the $2 million Stephen Foster Stakes (G1) on June 27 with a 5-furlong breeze in 1:02 3/5 the morning of May 24 at Churchill Downs. Trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, Magnitude worked just after 6 a.m. ET on a fast track. He galloped out 6 furlongs in 1:15 4/5, according to Churchill Downs clocker John Nichols. "He worked great this morning," Asmussen said. "I'm very happy with how he's doing and really looking forward to the matchup in the Stephen Foster." Magnitude began his career at Churchill Downs in June 2024 and has since recorded victories in the Clark Stakes (G2), Risen Star Stakes (G2), Razorback Handicap (G3), and Iowa Derby. The 4-year-old son of Not This Time scored the biggest victory of his 13-race résumé when he went gate-to-wire in the March 28 Dubai World Cup. Asmussen is a two-time winner of the Stephen Foster with Curlin (2008) and Gun Runner (2017). Both horses went on to earn Horse of the Year honors and became two of the sport's most influential stallions. Four horses have used victories in the Stephen Foster as part of Horse of the Year campaigns. Along with Gun Runner and Curlin, the others are Black Tie Affair (1991) and Saint Liam (2005). In addition, two Stephen Foster runners-up were later crowned Horse of the Year: Mineshaft (2003) and Wise Dan (2012). Nominations for the 1 1/8-mile "Summer Showdown" will close June 10. The Stephen Foster is part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In Classic Division, where the winner will earn an automatic berth into the $7 million Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) on Oct. 31 at Keeneland. The winner will also have pre-entry and entry fees covered and could receive a travel award of up to $10,000.