Vibe to Test Rattle N Roll, Hit Show in Blame Stakes

Before the nation's top older dirt horses square off in the $2 million Stephen Foster Stakes (G1) June 27 at Churchill Downs, racing fans in Kentucky get an early taste of the division in the $300,000 Blame Stakes (G3) May 30. The 1 1/8-mile Blame serves as a local prep toward the Stephen Foster, though how many of its eight participants ultimately advance remains uncertain, given that heavyweights such as Sovereignty, Magnitude, White Abarrio, and Skippylongstocking are already targeting the Foster. For some connections, less demanding summer stakes spots could prove more appealing. The Blame came up stronger than a typical grade 3, attracting a pair of grade 1 winners in Hit Show and Rattle N Roll, whose career bankrolls stand at $9.4 million and $3.9 million, respectively. Neither, however, is assured favoritism. Up-and-coming Vibe, unbeaten in three starts this year, figures to draw substantial support after his allowance optional claiming victory on the Kentucky Derby (G1) undercard for Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher. Graded stakes winner Hall of Fame also should attract interest after finishing seventh in his seasonal debut in the Churchill Downs Stakes (G1) on that same May 2 program. Still, Wathnan Racing's Hit Show has the deepest résumé. The Brad Cox trainee upset the $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) in 2025 and owns 12 victories from 25 starts overall. Most recently, he checked in fifth behind Magnitude in this year's March 28 World Cup renewal, finishing 7 lengths behind the front-running rival. Returned to the United States in April, Hit Show has posted four works at Churchill Downs in preparation for the Blame, including a pair of 5-furlong drills. Irad Ortiz Jr., aboard for the horse's Fayette Stakes (G2) victory last fall at Keeneland and his follow-up second behind Magnitude in the 2025 Clark Stakes (G2) at Churchill, regains the mount aboard the veteran 6-year-old gray or roan son of Candy Ride (ARG). He owns two victories from eight starts on the Churchill Downs main track. Rattle N Roll likewise made another Middle East trip earlier this year after also traveling overseas the winter before, compiling a 1-for-4 record from those two excursions. This year, he finished a disappointing ninth behind Japanese star Forever Young (JPN) in the Feb. 14 Saudi Cup (G1) before returning stateside to run fifth in the April 18 Ben Ali Stakes (G3) at Keeneland. Winner of the Breeders' Futurity (G1) at Keeneland as a 2-year-old in 2021, he has picked up his pace in workouts in recent weeks for trainer Kenny McPeek, who gives the call on the 7-year-old Connect horse to Flavien Prat. Hall of Fame, now racing for Claiborne Farm, appears eligible to move forward in his second start of the season and on a stretch out in distance from the 7-furlong Churchill Downs Stakes. Vibe, a son of Into Mischief and a half brother to 2016 Wood Memorial Stakes (G1) winner Outwork, appears likely to control the pace under Luis Saez in his first attempt beyond a one-turn mile. Bred by Repole Stable, Vibe sold for $3 million at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale three years ago and now races for a partnership that includes Repole Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds, CJ Stables, Woodford Racing, Lane's End, and Patrick McGee. The Blame is one of seven stakes that are a part of Saturday's card. Post time for the Blame, the 10th race, is 5:28 p.m. ET.