Henrietta Topham Makes Repeat Bid in Mint Julep

Henrietta Topham  attempts to defend her crown while making her seasonal debut June 2 in the $250,000 Mint Julep Stakes (G3T) at Churchill Downs.

On this stage a year ago, the daughter of Lemon Drop Kid surged from behind and pulled off the upset in the Mint Julep. However, unlike this year, the Cambus-Kenneth Farm homebred had the benefit of two prior races in the spring under her belt. After the season ended on a sour note with three straight sixth-place finishes in the summer and fall, Henrietta Topham received a freshening.

Video: Old Forester Mint Julep S. (G3T)

Trainer Geoff Mulcahy will bring the 6-year-old mare back from her seven-month break in a spot that proved successful before. A five-time winner from 16 starts, a solid run to start her year will push Henrietta Topham over the half-million dollar mark in earnings.

Among her eight challengers is Miacomet Farm's multiple graded stakes winner Heavenly Sunday , who has shown an affinity for both of Churchill Downs' courses.

Facing yielding turf in the May 3 Modesty Stakes (G3) going 1 1/8 miles, the daughter of Candy Ride   took her customary spot in the front but was caught late and finished fourth by 1 1/4 lengths. She appears on paper to be the pace in the race. With her first start of the year under her belt, trainer Brad Cox will be hopeful the 4-year-old filly can score her third win at the 1 1/16-mile distance.

The Mint Julep is race 7 with post time of 3:50 p.m. ET.