First Mission, the 6-5 morning line favorite for the $1 million Stephen Foster (Grade I) at Churchill Downs, is gearing up for Saturday’s marquee race. Trainer Brad Cox is optimistic about the colt’s chances for his first Grade I victory.

Churchill Downs, located in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the world's most famous horse racing tracks. Established in 1875 by Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., Churchill Downs has become synonymous with the Kentucky Derby, often called "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports."

Trainer Charlie Appleby is set to extend his dominance in America's premier turf races by entering Ottoman Fleet in the Wise Dan Stakes (G2T) on June 29 at Churchill Downs, an important race on the horse racing schedule. 

The $500,000 Fleur de Lis Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs has consistently attracted some of the finest fillies and mares in recent history. Despite being a Grade 2 race, it has seen winners like Letruska, Midnight Bisou, and Shedaresthedevil grace its winner's circle in the past five years. This year, a compact but highly competitive field of six older fillies and mares will compete over 1 1/8 miles on June 29. Leading the charge are the impressive last-out winners Scylla and Shotgun Hottie.

The Bashford Manor Stakes is a six-furlong sprint for two-year-old thoroughbred horses, taking place towards the end of the Spring meet at Churchill Downs. This Listed race on the dirt offers a $100,000 purse, with an additional $7,500 from the Breeders' Cup program.