Magnitude makes all in rich Stephen Foster

Magnitude forged to the head of the class among older males on Saturday with a coast-to-coast triumph in the $1.998 million Stephen Foster (G1) at Churchill Downs.

Contested over a sloppy track and without either Forged Steel or Navajo Warrior, who were scratched earlier in the week but might have kept Magnitude company in the early stages, the Stephen Foster turned into a catch-me-if-you-can exhibition for the Dubai World Cup (G1) winner, who broke through the gate before the start but was quickly reloaded.

Left alone on a lead that varied from one length to 1 1/2 lengths through the opening six furlongs, Magnitude let it out a notch in upper stretch, opening up a commanding three-length lead. He ultimately held sway by 1 1/4 lengths over Baeza, who conceded the winner six lengths after a slow start.

Not landing a blow at all was reigning Horse of the Year and odds-on favorite Sovereignty, who lost a little position on the backstretch, rallied wide into contention, but flattened out in the drive. Sovereignty finished more than five lengths adrift of Magnitude, whom he had beaten by more than 20 lengths in their only prior meeting in last year's Travers (G1).

Also coming up short was White Abarrio, who had upset Sovereignty in the Oaklawn H. (G2) two months ago. He finished fourth, while the overmatched Willy D's trailed the field.

Owned by Ron Winchell and trained by Steve Asmussen, Magnitude covered 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.03 and paid $7.16. Jose Ortiz, who won the Kentucky Derby (G1) on Golden Tempo and Kentucky Oaks (G1) aboard Always a Runner earlier in the Churchill meet, was in the saddle on Magnitude.

Magnitude is following a trajectory similar to that of 2017 Horse of the Year Gun Runner, also owned by Winchell and trained by Asmussen. A son of Not This Time, Magnitude was a top-flight three-year-old last term when taking the Risen Star (G2), Iowa Derby, and Clark (G2) while placing in the Travers and Pennsylvania Derby (G1). Like Gun Runner, Magnitude has taken a huge step forward at four.

Magnitude kicked off the season beating overmatched rivals in the Razorback H. (G3) at Oaklawn, and followed up with a world-class performance in the Dubai World Cup, defeating Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) winner and champion Forever Young by one length.

Magnitude earned a free berth into this year's Classic at Keeneland by winning the Foster. Having knocked off Forever Young and Sovereignty in consecutive starts, Magnitude has deservedly earned the role of current Classic favorite.