“The first three-horse #KyDerby photo finish since Jet Pilot, Phalanx, and Faultless in 1947,” wrote the official Kentucky Derby page as they posted the moment that captured the photo finish at the 2024 Derby. It showed what no fan or even the announcers could see when horses crossed the line. Mystik Dan had beaten Sierra Leone by a nose, who beat Forever Young by an even closer margin.

It’s been over a year since that fateful, historic day at Churchill Downs. While neither Mystik Dan nor Sierra Leone could run in this year’s Kentucky Derby, the horses are getting a much-awaited epic rematch. “Mystik Dan – Sierra Leone Rematch!” posted the Derby’s X handle, after Dan and Leone drew 5th and 4th post positions, respectively, for the $1 million Stephen Foster Stakes on Saturday, June 28.

So not only will the old rivals run with a million dollars at stake, they’ll launch into the race side by side at Churchill Downs this coming Saturday. Needless to say, the fans are super excited to see the former Kentucky Derby champion and the challenger who nearly won the title, run it back. And they are already picking favorites. “This is going to be fun!!!! I’m betting on Mystik Dan for sure,” commented one fan.

And it’s easy to see why the fans are so excited about this race. That’s because, besides Derby winner Mystik Dan and Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Sierra Leone, two other Grade 1 title winners will also compete for the $1 million prize at Churchill Downs. While the rivalry is creating the type, two more G1 winners, including Dubai World Cup champ Hit Show and G1 race winner Mindframe, will challenge their fellow champions.

But hold your horses, because there’s a fifth contender for the 44th edition of the 1 1/8 mile dirt track race under the iconic Twin Spires: Skippylongstocking. Trained by Barbados Triple Crown winner Saffie Joseph Jr., Skippylongstocking is coming back for redemption at the legendary racing track. Naturally, the fan base is slightly divided on their favorite for the race.

What’s the verdict on the Kentucky Derby winner?

Horse racing fans gravitated toward the 2024 Derby champion in what will be the two rivals’ first meeting after that exhilarating photo finish. “Mystik Dan,” one fan bluntly commented, picking his favorite out among the seven-horse field. In fact, one ex-Sierra Leone fan also wrote about switching sides this time. “This will be great!” commented the fan.

“I picked SIERRA LEONE last time. I’ve heard the unwritten rule 100s of times, but I’m swapping horses and going with MYSTIK DAN,” the fan commented, despite being hesitant about switching sides. But there’s a good reason why many fans chose Mystik Dan. Trainer Kenny McPeek’s horse is just a month removed from his successful G3 Blame Stakes run at Churchill Downs.

“He couldn’t be doing any better going into the race. I really like his chances by what he’s shown us in the mornings coming back here at Churchill Downs,” Kenny McPeek, who just commemorated his Derby/Oaks Double with a tattoo, said ahead of the race, and the horse won the graded race the very next day. So with a recent win and a good rest, fans found it hard to bet against the former Kentucky Derby winner.

Another horse emerged as many people’s favorite among the Stephen Foster Stakes title contenders. Ant that steed is none other than Mindframe. “Mindframe by 40,” commented one fan, possibly hinting that the Graded Stakes winner will leave the competition behind in the dust. Repole Stable sounded equally confident about their horse.

“Mindframe (outside), undefeated this year, had a great work this morning at Saratoga. Mindframe is ready for the Grade 1 Stephen Foster next Saturday at Churchill Downs. Looks like a great field for the race with Mystik Dan, Sierra Leone, and others,” they posted on June 21. And finally, there were Skippylongstocking supporters.

“AND SKIPPY!!” commented the fans who think that Skippylongstocking will race to redemption this year. Despite being among the older horses at 6 years, Skippy recently won the Gold Cup (G2) at Santa Anita. After finishing in third place at last year’s Stephen Foster Stakes, some fans think he could beat the Kentucky Derby winner. Yet, what do you think? Tell us who you’re supporting in the comments.