Juddmonte’s 2021 Kentucky Derby sponsored by Woodford Reserve (G1) winner Mandaloun continues his serious preparations for the $750,000 Stephen Foster Stakes (G2) on July 2 with a move Thailand lasted six rounds quickly on the morning of June 19 at Churchill Downs.
Perhaps one of the only good things for @flothejock Yesterday there was an issue with the airline on his way to Monmouth so he was back in time for Mandaloun this morning. The 2021 Derby winner won 6 dribbles in a time of 1:12.40. pic.twitter.com/cOLuSRsR5d
– Kevin Kerstein (@HorseRacingKK) June 19, 2022
Brad Cox trained Mandaloun, who has been away from the races since placing ninth in the Saudi Arabia Cup (G1) in February, overcame the scores: 12 4/5,: 36 2/5 and 1:00 1/5 under regular racer Florent Geroux. Churchill Downs watchman John Nicholas caught sight of his 4-year-old son Into Mischief in 1:12 2/5 for six feathered paths, with a seven-way gallop time of 1:25 4/5.
For Geroux, it’s been a whirlwind of 24 hours, and he doesn’t necessarily have to work on the Mandaloun schedule. Geroux is expected to go on Saturday at Monmouth Parkwhere he had a chance to win on TVG.com Cox’s Pegasus Stakes Brewers , but he didn’t make it to the Jersey Shore track due to several delays. He caught an early flight back to Louisville for work at 5:30 a.m.
Stephen Foster 1 1/8 mile is the Breeders ‘Cup Challenge for the $6 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on November 5 at Keeneland. Stephen Foster’s other probabilities include 1st place winner Americanrevolution and June 4 Blame Staking wins Move one even from Todd Pletcher’s barn.
