The upcoming Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs is still a month away, but it is already shaping up to be a Race of the Year candidate. The purse has already been doubled from $1 million to $2 million, and the projected field already features stars such as White Abarrio and Sovereignty.

All of that was before earlier this week, when Journalism co-owner Aron Wellman told HRN that the connections were considering running him in the race following the Met Mile at Saratoga.

Wellman stopped short of fully committing Journalism to the race, but there is no doubt the possibility has racing fans around the country excited at the thought of another showdown between Sovereignty, White Abarrio, and Journalism following last month’s Oaklawn Handicap.

Whether Journalism ultimately makes it to the starting gate or not, the field has already solidified into one of the strongest assembled this year. In addition to White Abarrio and Sovereignty, the projected lineup could also include Dubai World Cup winner Magnitude, trained by Steve Asmussen, Pennsylvania Derby winner Skippylongstocking for Saffie Joseph Jr., and Baeza, trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott.

A lot can happen in the month leading up to a major race, but if this field stays together, horse racing fans could be in for an instant classic come late June.