There was the Kentucky Derby, then the Metropolitan Mile. Now trainer Todd Pletcher has set his sights on another first: the Stephen Foster Handicap.

Pletcher will be in Saturday from New York to saddle Battle Plan (EMPIRE MAKER) at Churchill Downs as one of the main contenders in the Grade 1, $600,000 Foster, a race that Pletcher is looking to add to his list of 2010 firsts. Last month, Pletcher won his first Derby with Super Saver and his first Met Mile with Quality Road.

Battle Plan (EMPIRE MAKER), bred and owned by Overbrook Farm, arrived here Monday and had his first two tours of the Churchill surface Tuesday and Wednesday, with local assistant Michael McCarthy overseeing the training.

"He's a fantastic-looking horse," McCarthy said. "Nothing but class, tons of pedigree, tons of upside. Hopefully, he'll get over the track well Saturday and earn his way back for the Breeders' Cup Classic in November."

Battle Plan, with Javier Castellano to ride, was assigned post 2 when entries were drawn Wednesday for the 29th running of the 1 1/8-mile Foster. Blame, who figures to vie for favoritism with Battle Plan, was assigned the outside post in a field of 11 older horses.