Lea will return in Stephen Foster Handicap

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Lea will make his first start since finishing third in the March 28 Dubai World Cup when he takes on the Todd Pletcher-trained Commissioner in the Grade 1 Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs next Saturday night.

Bred and owned by Claiborne Farm and Adele Dilschneider, Lea has earned nearly $1.9 million in his 15-race career. Prior to finishing four lengths behind Prince Bishop in the World Cup, he was second as the favorite behind Constitution, also trained by Pletcher, in the Grade 1 Donn Handicap at Gulfstream Park.

Claiborne president Walker Hancock confirmed this week that trainer Bill Mott is satisfied with the progress Lea has made since being given a brief rest following the demanding overseas trip. The 6-year-old Lea had his first of four breezes May 4 at Keeneland, with the next three coming over the Oklahoma training track at Saratoga.

Hancock said travel arrangements were being finalized, although it is presumed that the horse will be flown to Kentucky with the many other horses returning from New York following the huge Belmont Stakes weekend.

The $500,000 Foster, the traditional post-Kentucky Derby highlight of the Churchill spring meet, is one of four graded stakes set for a Downs After Dark card that will start at 6 p.m. Eastern. Besides Lea and Commissioner, the 1 1/8-mile race could get another four or five starters, according to stakes coordinator Dan Bork. Entries will be taken and drawn Wednesday.

Bork said Hoppertunity, the winner of the Clark Handicap here last fall for Bob Baffert, is not expected to run, although Baffert will be represented by Cat Burglar. Other probables include Noble Bird and Paganol, while possible starters from a list of 34 nominations include Carve and Majestic Harbor.

The Foster is the first Win and You’re In race toward the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Oct. 31 at Keeneland.

As for the Grade 2, $200,000 Fleur de Lis, at least four fillies and mares are expected from a list of 25 nominees: America, Gold Medal Dancer, Sheer Drama, and Tiz Windy. The 1 1/8-mile Fleur de Lis is a Win and You’re In race toward the BC Distaff.

The other two Downs After Dark stakes are Grade 3, $100,000 races at 1 1/16 miles for 3-year-olds. The Regret is for fillies on turf, and the Matt Winn is for their male counterparts on the main track.

A Downs After Dark card also will be held as the last program of the spring meet June 27.