Maximus Mischief filly finishes 2023 with second straight stakes win

Carmelina cruises to victory in the 2023 Gin Talking S. – Jim McCue photo

Carmelina pulled clear late for a two-length victory in the $100,000 Gin Talking S. on Dec. 30 at Laurel Park, giving the 2-year-old Maximus Mischief filly three stakes wins on the year, including two in a row to close out her juvenile campaign.

After winning the Nov. 22 Shamrock Rose S. at Penn National by 8 ¾-lengths in front-running style, Carmelina showed her speed once again on Saturday. She took the lead in the first 50 yards to lead the field by a length after a quarter-mile in :23.12. Cap Classique pressured her around the turn and into the stretch, then with a furlong to run, Carmelina moved away from her foe to finish in 1:24.83 for the seven furlongs on a fast track.

“Today was a very professional effort by her. She rated very nicely,” said trainer Robert Reid. “I actually thought she was going to run off and be a little further in front, but she rated well and (jockey) Sheldon (Russell) did a fantastic job, and she finished well for him.”

Carmelina finishes the year with four wins in six starts and earnings of $221,800 for owners Cash is King LLC and LC Racing LLC. The bay filly was bred by Lillith E. Boucher.

Maximus Mischief has accounted for the winners of 44 races in 2023, the best among all First-Crop sires. His progeny earnings of $2,249,942 trails only fellow Spendthrift stallion Mitole. Maximus Mischief’s 2024 fee is $25,000 S&N.