Spring stakes schedule set for Churchill Downs

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Louisville, KY (SportsNetwork.com) - The 2014 Spring schedule of stakes races has been finalized for Churchill Downs with the 140th runnings of the $2 million Kentucky Derby and $1 million Kentucky Oaks topping the list.

The 1 1/4-mile Kentucky Derby will be run Saturday, May 3 with the 1 1/8-mile Oaks conducted one day earlier. The meeting begins Saturday, April 26 and concludes Sunday, June 29.

Last year's Run for the Roses was won by Florida Derby champion Orb and the Oaks was taken by Princess of Sylmar.

The top race for older thoroughbreds will again be the $500,000 Stephen Foster Handicap on Saturday, June 14. Fillies and mare will compete that evening in the $200,000 Fleur De Lis Handicap. Both races are 1 1/8 miles.

Reigning Horse of the Year Wise Dan will have an opportunity to win a third Firecracker Stakes at Churchill on Saturday, June 28 over the turf course at one-mile. On Derby Day, the 1 1/8-mile Woodford Reserve Turf Classic will be held. Wise Dan won the race last year as well.