The 2025 Stephen Foster Stakes takes place on Saturday at Churchill Downs and features Mystik Dan making a return to his favorite track. Mystik Dan won the 2024 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs and more than a year later in his next run at the famed Lexington track, he won the Blame Stakes (G3) on May 31, 2025. Mystik Dan has won three of four career races at Churchill Downs and he has the second-lowest odds to win the Stephen Foster Stakes 2025. Sierra Leone, who finished second at the 2024 Kentucky Derby and won the 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic, is the 5-2 favorite in the latest 2025 Stephen Foster Stakes odds. Mindframe follows at 7-2 with First Mission at 4-1 to round out the top four choices among the seven horses in the 2025 Stephen Foster Stakes field. Post time for the Stephen Foster Stakes 2025 is 6:03 p.m. ET, and there's approximately a 50% chance of precipitation in the forecast.

Before locking in any 2025 Stephen Foster Stakes bets, you NEED to see what longtime horse racing guru Jeff Hochman has to say.

Hochman has shown a profit in 22 of the past 39 Triple Crown races. One example of his best picks was Big Brown in the 2008 Kentucky Derby at odds of 2-1. More recently, he swept the 2022 Triple Crown, capped off by Mo Donegal's easy win in the Belmont Stakes. In 2023, he cashed the Preakness with National Treasure. In 2024, he successfully tabbed Straight No Chaser to win, place and show in the Grade 2 Santa Anita Sprint Championship at odds of 3-2. Join here to see what he's picking for Saturday's Stephen Foster Stakes, and use promo code JOCKEY to unlock 50% off!

While a slew of horses could hit the board in the 2025 Stephen Foster Stakes, Hochman has studied the field and revealed his picks. 

One surprise: Hochman is fading Sierra Leone, even though he's the 5-2 favorite. Although Sierra Leone won the Breeders' Cup Classic, that was his only victory over the last six races. Hochman isn't using Sierra Leone, who failed to win either of his Triple Crown starts, in his 2025 Stephen Foster Stakes bets. 

Moreover, Hochman's top pick is a "strong contender" who garners an advantage with his starting position. You absolutely need to see which horses they are before making any 2025 Stephen Foster Stakes picks of your own.

So which horse wins the 2025 Stephen Foster Stakes? Which longshot is a must-back? And how has Hochman constructed his wagers? ... Join SportsLine now to get Jeff Hochman's Stephen Foster Stakes picks, all from the expert who has nailed Triple Crown races. Use promo code JOCKEY to slash 50% off right now.