Downs After Dark returns to Churchill Downs Saturday with the “White Party” and a night of graded stakes action including the Grade 1 Stephen Foster Handicap. In addition to the high-caliber live racing that includes five graded stakes races, guests can dance to the live music in the new paddock plaza, participate in the “Bet or No Bet” sweepstakes, sample special food and drink offerings, and witness the Kentucky Derby trophy presentation.
Stakes Races
The Stephen Foster card has always offered a great day of racing and now, for the second year in a row, the stakes races will be held under lights. The 11-race card begins with a first post of 6 p.m. and includes five graded stakes races.
The Grade II Fleur de Lis Handicap for fillies and mares starts the stakes action and includes defending champ and reigning Eclipse Champion Older Female, Royal Delta. The Bill Mott trainee has not raced since finishing 10th in the Dubai World Cup in Meydan Mar. 30. Belmont Stakes winning jockey Mike Smith will be in town for the ride. Royal Delta will face a short field of four competitors including Wine Princess, the Monmouth Oaks winner.
The Grade III Matt Winn for three-year-olds boasts some early Kentucky Derby contenders including Mark Casse’s Kentucky Jockey Club winner Uncaptured, Bob Baffert’s Risen Star runner-up Code West, and Dale Romans’ Dewey Square.
