The Breeders’ Cup odds could see a shakeup this Saturday at Churchill Downs on a stakes-laden program anchored by the Stephen Foster Stakes. The Stephen Foster, which drew five $2+ million earners, is a "Win & You're In" event for the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Also on the card is the Fleur de Lis Stakes, featuring the return of Thorpedo Anna. My free betting picks tell you how to tackle each of these major heats on June 28.
Fleur de Lis Stakes odds, prediction and best bet
- Race: Churchill Race 7
- Post time: 3:52 p.m. ET
- TV: FanDuel TV
| Post | Horse | Track odds |  |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Spa | 4-1 | +400 | +600 |
| 2 | Save Time | 20-1 | +2000 | +2500 |
| 3 | Thorpedo Anna | 3-5 | -167 | -250 |
| 4 | Gin Gin | 7-2 | +350 | +600 |
| 5 | Taxed | 9-2 | +450 | +1000 |
Odds as of 6-28.
No. 3 Thorpedo Anna (3-5, morning-line favorite) suffered her first off-the-board effort in the Grade I La Troienne Stakes over this course on Kentucky Derby weekend. It was shocking to see the 2024 Horse of the Year finish last in a seven-horse field after winning her first two races of 2025 with ease.
However, I believe she'll bounce back based on her June 14 tune-up drill at Churchill Downs, a 1 of 18 bullet going five furlongs in :59 3/5. Thorpedo Anna should see little pace pressure early and may make every pole a winning one in the Fleur de Lis Stakes.
No. 1 Royal Spa (4-1) won the local prep for this race, the Grade III Shawnee Stakes, at 13-1 when last seen. It legitimized her well-rated win at Laurel two-back. This versatile daughter of Violence will once again have the services of Flavien Prat.
No. 4 Gin Gin (7-2) settled for second behind Royal Spa after a breakout win in the Grade III Doubledogdare Stakes two-back. Trainer Brendan Walsh has clearly figured out something with this daughter of Hightail.
Best bet: $10 trifecta 3/1,4/1,4 ($20)
New Users
$500 No Sweat First Bet! Claim Now
See FanDuel T&Cs
FanDuel Racing offer available only in AR, CA, DE, ID, FL, MN, MT, NH, NM, ND, OR, RI, SD, WA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
21+ and present in select states. FanDuel is offering online sports wagering in Kansas under an agreement with Kansas Star Casino, LLC. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, KY, MI, NJ, OH, PA, IL, TN, VA, VT), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-522-4700 (WY), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV).
New Users
Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets! Claim Now
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Stephen Foster Stakes odds, prediction and best bet
- Race: Churchill Race 11
- Post time: 6:03 p.m. ET
- TV: FanDuel TV
| Post | Horse | Track odds | |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | First Mission | 4-1 | +400 | +500 |
| 2 | Mindframe | 7-2 | +350 | +200 |
| 3 | Skippylongstocking | 6-1 | +600 | +850 |
| 4 | Sierra Leone | 5-2 | +250 | +200 |
| 5 | Mystik Dan | 3-1 | +300 | +1100 |
| 6 | Hit Show | 9-2 | +450 | +700 |
| 7 | Ashcroft | 30-1 | +3000 | +10000 |
Odds as of 6-28.
No. 2 Mindframe (7-2) was last seen becoming a millionaire in the Grade I Churchill Downs Stakes going seven furlongs over this course. Irad Ortiz Jr. timed his late rally just right that day to start his 2025 season off at 2-for-2.
Mindframe lost to Dornoch both times at age three when trying to go 1 1/8-miles or longer, but he was far from disgraced in each instance. His pedigree says that nine furlongs is in his wheelhouse, and a sharp recent five-furlong drill suggests stamina won't be an issue in the Stephen Foster Stakes.
No. 4 Sierra Leone (5-2, morning-line favorite) is just as consistent as Mindframe, who has never missed the exacta in six lifetime starts, as the 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic winner sports an impressive 10: 4-3-3 lifetime record.
His lone start of 2025 — a third in the New Orleans Classic at the Fair Grounds in March — was disappointing, but he seems to be training much better now than he did in the lead-up to that race.
Best bet: $20 win 2
Road to the Breeders’ Cup Classic
| Race | Date | Track | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Cup* | February 22 | King Abdulaziz Racetrack | Forever Young |
| February Stakes* | February 23 | Tokyo | Costa Nova |
| Dubai World Cup* | April 5 | Meydan | Hit Show |
| Kentucky Derby | May 3 | Churchill Downs | Sovereignty |
| Preakness Stakes | May 17 | Pimlico | Journalism |
| Belmont Stakes | June 7 | Saratoga | Sovereignty |
| Metropolitan Handicap | June 7 | Saratoga | Raging Torrent |
| Stephen Foster Stakes* | June 28 | Churchill Downs | TBD |
| Haskell Stakes* | July 19 | Monmouth Park | TBD |
| Whitney Stakes* | August 2 | Saratoga | TBD |
| Juddmonte International Stakes (turf)* | August 20 | York | TBD |
| Travers Stakes | August 24 | Saratoga | TBD |
| Pacific Classic* | August 30 | Del Mar | TBD |
| Jockey Club Gold Cup* | August 31 | Saratoga | TBD |
| Pennsylvania Derby | September 20 | Parx | TBD |
| Goodwood Stakes* | September 27 | Santa Anita Park | TBD |
| Lukas Classic | September 27 | Churchill Downs | TBD |
*denotes "Win & You're In" race for Breeders' Cup Classic.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
