The Stephen Foster has long been a Stakes race that showcases talent. Sometimes it has been an affirmation race and for others it serves as an arrival. The 44^th running of this test for older horses at Churchill Downs on June 28 was a red-carpet rendition for a runner that has now arrived as a major player in the Classic distance division.

An imposing figure physically, Mindframe came into the $1 million Foster as a runner with considerable potential, but still unproven at the classic distances of a mile and an eighth or better. Unraced at two and having been just about a length and a half away from grade 1 glory in both the Belmont Stakes and Haskell Invitational at three, his four-year old campaign had began with graded stakes wins at a mile (Gulfstream Park Mile) and seven furlongs (Churchill Downs Stakes). Yes, his four wins and two seconds in six lifetime starts were impressive, but could this somewhat lightly raced Maryland-bred get it done at that longer distance?

As a “win and you’re in” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, the Foster, with perhaps the saltiest field in race history, served as an excellent proving ground. Always considered as being of a talented Mindframe, this Todd Petcher trained son of Constitution responded in a big way.

Facing the 2024 Kentucky Derby champ, 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, 2025 Oaklawn Handicap victor, and 2025 Dubai World Cup winner, the Mindframe had to be right. Understanding the field he was facing, jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. immediately put his horse in the race as he stalked a somewhat moderate early pace (23.94 opening quarter, 47.94 half mile) set by First Mission. As the race unfolded, the talent exuded and the pace quickened. Rolling through quicker fractions for the next two quarter miles (23.53 third and 23.47 fourth), Pletcher’s masterfully prepared runner assumed command and opened up by two lengths at the top of the stretch. As his powerful stride lengthened and the wire drew ever closer, it was obvious this multi-talented grandson of Street Sense is the Mindframe he was thought to be.

Finishing a geared down length ahead Sierra Leone, Mindframe picked up $552,420 in earnings along with his third win of 2025 in three starts at three different distances. Having been bet down to post time favoritism, this Repole Stable and St. Elias Stables owned four-year-old returned $5.76 on a $2 win wager.

“What a fantastic effort against a stellar field”, says trainer Todd Pletcher. “To win back-to-back grade 1 races at seven furlongs and then nine furlongs is a remarkable achievement.”

With an automatic berth to the Breeders’ Cup Classic secured, the next steps toward those World Championships are to be determined. But what the 44^th running of the Foster proved was if the Mindframe is right, the sky is the limit.