Deep renewal of Blame features Derby winner Mystik Dan

Although winless since his memorable triumph in the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) in a three-way photo, Mystik Dan returns to Churchill Downs on Saturday for the $275,000 Blame (G3) with some positive momentum.

Regrouping after back-to-back poor efforts in the Malibu (G1) and Pegasus World Cup (G1) over the winter, Mystik Dan enters the nine-furlong Blame off a much-improved effort in the Lake Ouachita S. at Oaklawn Park, which was run on the same day as the Kentucky Derby. Mystik Dan ran his best race since last spring in the Lake Ouachita, falling short of Grade 1 veteran Saudi Crown by a nose.

The Blame, a track-and-distance prep for next month's Stephen Foster (G1), nonetheless remains a difficult assignment. Most Wanted figures tough off back-to-back second-place efforts in the Challenger (G3), to Monday's Hollywood Gold Cup (G2) winner Skippylongstocking, and Alysheba (G2), to champion Fierceness.

Also returning from the Alysheba is Hall of Fame, who finished third in that Kentucky Oaks Day feature after a productive winter at Fair Grounds, where he won the Mineshaft (G3) and finished second in the New Orleans Classic (G2).

The hard-knocking Banishing has finished first or second in each of his past nine starts, most recently claiming silver in the nine-furlong Oaklawn H. (G2) and seven-furlong Churchill Downs (G1). Alexander Helios edged Banishing in the Razorback H. (G3) two back, though was a below-par fifth in the Oaklawn H. more recently. Post Time, who has won 10 of 16 starts lifetime, placed three times in Grade 1 company last term.

Brilliant Berti will look to remain undefeated over the Churchill Downs turf in the $275,000 Arlington (G3) over 1 1/16 miles. A four-time winner over the course, including the Opening Verse S. on Derby weekend, Brilliant Berti's most serious rival might be Mercante, who finished a close second in the Turf Classic (G1) last time.

The $275,000 Shawnee (G3) for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles on the main track lacks a standout, though bettors might gravitate some toward Where's My Ring, who placed behind Thorpedo Anna in last month's Apple Blossom H. (G1) and debuts Saturday for trainer Peter Miller. Gin Gin, upset winner of the Doubledogdare (G3) at Keeneland last time, is another notable entry.

Although only 1-for-4 over the Churchill strip, Skelly might prove too fast for his rivals in the $275,000 Aristides (G3) over six furlongs, among whom are the capable World Record and Happy Is a Choice.

The remaining two stakes on Stephen Foster Preview Day, the $275,000 Audubon S. for three-year-olds and the $275,000 Regret (G3) for three-year-old fillies, will both be contested at 1 1/8 miles on the turf and appear wide open on paper.