Ted Noffey gives Into Mischief a sweep of Keeneland’s premier 2YO races

One day after Tommy Jo took the Alcibiades S. (G1) Friday at Keeneland, Ted Noffey had his turn in the spotlight with an emphatic victory in the $650,000 Breeders’ Futurity (G1).

Both 2-year-olds are by Into Mischief and, by virtue of their wins, each earned an entry into the Breeders’ Cup Oct. 31 at Del Mar.

Ted Noffey, who took the Hopeful S. (G1) on Sept. 1, is the only male 2-year-old with multiple Grade 1 wins, likely making him the favorite for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1).

Saturday at Keeneland, the uniquely-colored gray/roan was making his two-turn debut. He was very comfortable from the outside, sliding into second behind Litmus Test soon after the start. The pacesetter had a comfortable half-mile of :48.23 before Ted Noffey applied the pressure midway on the final turn. He went by Litmus Test with ease and strode clear under a hand ride, then came home powerfully, winning by 2 ¾-lengths over Blackout Time in 1:43.98 on a fast track.

“Everything in his training indicated to us that he wouldn’t have any issue with (two turns),” winning trainer Todd Pletcher said. “It’s always great to see them actually do it. It worked out beautifully today. He had a good trip to the first turn, got into a good rhythm and was just kind of waiting on Johnny (Velazquez) to give him the cue. It was what we were hoping for and what we expected but, like I said, you always want to see it.”

Now a perfect 3-for-3, Ted Noffey has earned $617,963. Spendthrift Farm purchased the colt for $650,000 at last year’s Keeneland September sale. Ted Noffey was bred by Aaron & Marie Jones LLC.