Godolphin’s graded stakes-winning First Mission , scratched from the May 20 Preakness Stakes (G1) due to a left hind leg issue, returns to action Oct. 14 at Keeneland in a $120,000 second-level allowance optional claiming race carded as the last of 10 races. The Brad Cox trainee drew post 1 in an overflow field, competing over 1 1/16 miles on dirt.
The homebred son of Street Sense has made three starts, all this year, running second on debut at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots before dominating maidens there. He then stepped into the stakes ranks and won the April 15 Lexington Stakes (G3) at Keeneland by a half-length, defeating eventual grade 1 stakes winner Arabian Lion .
Video
First Mission was then entered in the Preakness and pegged as the 5-2 second choice on the morning line behind Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mage , who would finish third in the race behind victorious National Treasure and second-place Blazing Sevens .
First Mission has breezed regularly at Churchill Downs since the summer toward his return. Luis Saez rides the even-money morning-line favorite.
The Opposition
- Older horses Keystone Field , who picked up his first stakes in April at age 8 for Three Diamonds Farm and trainer Mike Maker, and the Kenny McPeek-trained 4-year-old Creative Minister , are the co-second choices at 6-1 on the line.
- The latter, owned by Fern Circle Stables and Back Racing, has hit the board in four stakes, most notably when third in the 2022 Preakness.
