Into Mischief’s Hughes sparkles in debut, named a TDN ‘Rising Star’
June 21, 2026
Hughes blasted away from his competition in the final furlong of a five-panel maiden special weight contest for 2-year-olds, winning in hand by six lengths to become the latest TDN ‘Rising Star’ for Into Mischief.
Trained by Bob Baffert for high-profile connections, Hughes was well-backed for Sunday’s unveiling. He tussled with High Pronto and Midnight Ovation for the first three furlongs, then after being set down for the drive, methodically pulled clear to register an impressive tally in :57.22 on the fast track.
Hughes is owned by Front Row Club, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Bashor Racing LLC, Albaugh Family Stables, LLC, Robert Masterson, Golconda Stable, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Catherine Donovan, who purchased the bay colt for $675,000 out of the 2025 Keeneland September sale.
Bred by Breffni Farm in Kentucky, Hughes is out of Grade 1-placed KP Dreamin. Hughes second dam Litigating is a half-sister to Pacific Classic (G1) winner and $2.9 million earner Go Between.
Into Mischief continues to top the 2026 General Sire list in nearly every category, with four Grade 1 winners, 10 graded winners and 16 stakes winners. This coming Saturday, June 27 is Stephen Foster Day at Churchill Downs, Into Mischief has four graded stakes entries on the card, including 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) champ Sovereignty in the $2 million Foster and Grade 1 winner Shred the Gnar in the Fleur de Lis (G2).