Danon Figo (JPN) becomes first Japanese stakes winner for Into Mischief

Danon Figo bounded clear in the final furlong of the Kakitsubata Kinen S. Feb. 23 at Nagoya, scoring by about four lengths to become the first stakes winner in Japan for Into Mischief.

Graded stakes-placed three weeks ago, Danon Figo was in midpack in the early stages as Jasper Robusto sprinted out to lead by some 10 lengths. On the final turn, Danon Figo cut into the margin rapidly, then after a brief tussle in upper stretch, pulled away from the field to win handily.

“I’m relieved we lived up to the expectations as the favorite,” winning trainer Yasuo Tomomichi told Japanese media. “I really wanted to go to the February Stakes, but rather than jumping straight into Group 1s, I thought we’d steadily earn prize money and build up step by step.”

Pedigree/sales notes from the TDN

Danon Figo is the first foal for Ollie’s Candy, winner of the 2019 GI Clement L. Hirsch Stakes and also placed in the GI Del Mar Oaks before selling to Danon Figo’s breeder K I Farm for $1.65 million at Keeneland November in 2020. She was then bred to this sire on an early cover and exported to Japan, where she foaled Danon Figo on Feb. 25, 2022.

Danon Figo is the 191^st lifetime stakes winner for Into Mischief. By virtue of his win, the 4-year-old colt was given an entry for the G2 Godolphin Mile at Meydan on Mar. 28.

Owned by Danox Co. LTD, Danon Figo is 6-1-2 in 11 starts and has earned $740,737.

Note: race call is in Japanese. Danon Figo is #10, white and red silks.