Magnitude was much the best against a star-studded field in the Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs
Magnitude has emerged as an early favorite for the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland this October following his commanding victory in the Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs. The four-year-old defeated a exceptional field that included 2025 Kentucky Derby champion Sovereignty, 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner White Abarrio, and 2025 Pennsylvania Derby victor Baeza, asserting his position as North America’s premier older horse candidate.
Gate-to-Wire Dominance in Grade 1 Victory
In the grade 1 $2 million Stephen Foster, Magnitude faced a compact but elite field where every contender boasted graded stakes victories. With Sovereignty among the opponents, Magnitude was clearly the class of the field. The decision was straightforward: break sharply, secure early command, and extend convincingly.
Magnitude burst through the gates prematurely under jockey Jose Ortiz, immediately establishing control before the official release. The Steve Asmussen trainee navigated the course effortlessly, posting opening fractions of 23.88 seconds for the quarter-mile and 47.38 for the half-mile while maintaining a comfortable three-length advantage in the stretch. Even when challenged in the final quarter-mile, Magnitude continued to pull away, crossing the wire in a clear, effortless victory.
Baeza finished 1½ lengths second in a closing attempt, but Magnitude’s superiority was never in doubt. “I’m so incredibly proud of this horse and everyone who has been a part of his journey,” said trainer Steve Asmussen. “He continues to give us everything he has every time he runs.”
The Stephen Foster was a proving ground for Magnitude and raised his career earnings to over $9 million.
Impeccable Form Headlines Foster Victory
The Stephen Foster triumph completed a perfect 3-for-3 campaign for Magnitude in 2025. His season began with a 3¾-length score in the Razorback Handicap at Oaklawn Park on February 28, followed by a stunning gate-to-wire performance in the Dubai World Cup on March 28. That international victory was particularly decisive, as Magnitude defeated Forever Young, arguably the world’s finest older horse, while traversing a mile and a quarter under challenging circumstances.
Having successfully managed the rigorous travel demands of competing internationally, Magnitude returned to the United States and demonstrated his resilience in the Stephen Foster. The victory came 108 seconds after the 11th race commenced at Churchill Downs on June 27, answering questions about his ability to handle top-level competition post-travel.
The win marked Magnitude’s fourth consecutive victory, improving his overall record to eight wins, two seconds, and one third in fourteen career starts. With career earnings now exceeding $9.7 million, the Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC. ownership is likely positioning Magnitude for the Whitney Stakes at Saratoga on August 8.[/p]