Grade 3 LeComte goes to Into Mischief colt

Vicar’s In Trouble (center) begins his march to LeComte victory

Into Mischief, who had a pair of Kentucky Derby (G1) starters last year, could have another one in 2014 after Vicar’s In Trouble stamped himself a contender on Saturday with an emphatic 6 3/4-length win in the $200,000 LeComte S. (G3) at Fair Grounds (VIDEO).

The 3-year-old colt, bred by Spendthrift Farm, made the winning move coming into the stretch after setting just behind the leader through the first six furlongs. Rosie Napravnik gave her mount the cue at the head of the lane, and Vicar’s In Trouble sprinted away from the field with ease.

The winner, who broke his maiden at last asking by 13 lengths at Fair Grounds on Dec. 14, covered the mile and 70 yard distance in 1:42.57.

“It’s something you have to try at this point in the year with a 3-year-old,” assistant trainer Joe Sharp said of the first time around two turns. “He’s never given us any reason he wouldn’t go the distance. He’s naturally quick but he is very pliable and has a good brain. It seems like you can handle whatever you ask of him.”

Owned by Ken and Sarah Ramsey, Vicar’s In Trouble increased his career earnings to $148,900 with his second win in three outings. He broke his maiden by 13 lengths Dec. 14, also at Fair Grounds.

Vicar’s In Trouble is Into Mischief’s first graded winner of 2014, keeping up the momentum that saw the Spendthrift stallion finish in the top 5 on the 2013 Second Crop Sire list. Into Mischief stands this year for $20,000 LFS&N.