n what was billed as the “Summer Showdown” featuring North America’s top older horses, Dubai World Cup (Grade I) winner Magnitude led every step of the way and defeated Grade I Pennsylvania Derby winner Baeza by 1 ¼ lengths to thrill onlookers in Saturday’s 45th running of the $2 million Stephen Foster (Grade I) at Churchill Downs.
Reigning Horse of the Year and Kentucky Derby 151 winner Sovereignty was another four lengths back in third as the 4-5 favorite. Four-time Grade I winning 7-year-old White Abarrio was fourth and 38-1 longshot Willy D’s was fifth.
Jose Ortiz rode Magnitude to victory – his fourth stakes win on the day – for Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen and owner/breeder Ron Winchell’s Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC.
“What an amazing horse,” Asmussen said. “What a perfect story for all of us. A horse who came through the program, reaching the heights that he has with him beating Forever Young last time and the field that he beat today … what a special day, what a special moment.”