Seeking the Soul’s gallant victory over Quip in Saturday’s $600,000 Stephen Foster S. (G2) pushed the 6-year-old son of Perfect Soul’s earnings over the $3 million mark and also earned him an automatic berth into the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) this fall at Santa Anita Park.
The Charles Fipke homebred, who has scored all three of his graded wins at Churchill Downs, now has a bankroll of $3,335,802 with a record of 7-6-7 from 27, including 11 stakes placings.
Seeking the Soul drew post 4 in the field of 12. Away in good order, he was midpack through the first half-mile, but only about 3 lengths from the front. Slipping between horses on the final turn, he ran down Quip in an extended drive, getting the lead in deep stretch to win by a neck.
The final time for the 1 1/8-miles on the fast track was 1:49.27.
Trainer Dallas Stewart said the Classic would indeed be the year-end goal, with a possible start in the Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar later this summer also a possibility.
“This horse is so special to our entire barn,” said Stewart. “We have to thank Mr. Fipke for allowing us to train him. With family and friends here tonight, this is as good as it gets – we’re in the (Breeders’ Cup) Classic.”
Seeking the Soul is a son of Fipke graded stakes winner Seeking the Title.