Golden Mischief wins hard-fought TCA (G2) at Keeneland
October 6, 2018
Golden Mischief earned a start in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) with her win in Saturday’s $250,000 Thoroughbred Club of America S. (G2), defeating Chalon by a head in the six-furlong contest.
The 4-year-old filly is the 18th Graded Stakes winner for Into Mischief, whose progeny have earned more than $11.2 million to date this year. Spendtrhrift Farm recently announced that the prolific stallion would stand for $150,000 in 2019, and is already booked full.
Golden Mischief, who had won two listed stakes coming into Saturday’s race, broke like a shot out of the gate, but was taken back by her rider Florent Geroux. Golden Mischief was fifth between horses when she began her run with about three furlongs to go. In upper stretch, Geroux sent his mount through horses to take the lead from Vertical Oak, who would finish a length back of the runner-up Chalon.
“She broke super sharp and was a bit closer than what I wanted,” said Geroux. “I waited about two steps to let Chalon go in front of me. I wanted her to be my target, and not the other way around. So I just took a little hold and had her in front of me. I found a nice opening at the eighth pole and shot through it and she just kept on going.”
On whether or not to go to the Breeders’ Cup, trainer Brad Cox said, “My vote is going to be to go, but it’s going to be up to Juddmonte (Golden Mischief’s owner).
Golden Mischief now has seven stakes wins to her credit, and is 10-3-0 in 21 starts, with earnings of $668,150. Her stakes-placed dam Lanai City is a half-sister to multiple graded stakes winner Eagleton.