'Special' Seeking The Soul guaranteed Breeders' Cup run after Stephen Foster win

Seeking The Soul was excluded from the Breeders' Cup Classic last season when he was only number 17 on the preference list, but this year he won't have such an issue after getting up by a neck to win the Grade 2 Stephen Foster at Churchill Downs.

Owner/breeder Charles Fipke and trainer Dallas Stewart won't be haunted by Breeders' Cup disappointment this year, at least not where eligibility is concerned.

The six-year-old son of Perfect Soul punched his ticket to the marquee event on Saturday with a determined victory in the $600,000 Breeders' Cup Challenge 'Win and You're In' race.

Not only did the victory earn Seeking The Soul a guaranteed spot in the starting gate for the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita, but his connections will have all Breeders' Cup pre-entry and entry fees covered and receive a travel award up to $10,000.

"They can't take it away from us, we got our golden ticket," Stewart said. "This is a great horse. He's a six-year-old who acts like a young horse. He's very energetic about his training and about life. Chuck Fipke, he's got the momma and the daddy, and he's one of the greatest breeders ever."

Seeking The Soul closed from sixth position under John Velazquez and prevailed with a thrilling run to edge Quip by a neck, with pacesetter Tom's D'Etat a length and three-quarters back in third.

"We will definitely be in the Breeders' Cup Classic this year," Stewart said. "This horse is so special to our entire barn. 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 Classic!"

Santa Anita Handicap winner Gift Box, who was sent off favourite under Joel Rosario, could only manage fourth.

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