NEW ORLEANS, LA – George Coleman and Brad King’s Into Mystic returned to the winner’s circle for the first time since August in Saturday’s $75,000 Nelson J. Menard Memorial Stakes at Fair Grounds.
Into Mystic stalked before defeating the pacesetting Elle Z by 1 length, completing the 5 1/2-furlong good turf sprint in 1:04.53.
Florent Geroux was aboard the Brendan Walsh trainee, who was second in the local Pan Zareta last time out behind gate-to-wire winner Elle Z.
“I talked it over with Brendan before the race and we thought (staying close to the lead) was the best option for our filly,” Geroux said. “Let Elle Z just go to the lead, put my filly in a nice cozy spot not too far off. We had a nice, smooth trip, and when I asked her turning for home, she gave me a very nice kick. She proved she was the best filly in the race.”
Change of Control, Winning Envelope, Play On, On Probation, Eyeinthesky, and Snowball completed the order of finish.
Into Mystic is a 5-year-old daughter of Into Mischief whose record now stands at 16-5-3-3 with $325,273 earned.
“Florent gave her a beautiful ride today,” Walsh said. “He had her in the perfect spot. The filly had been doing great coming in here. It’s great to win for these owners, too. It’s their first trip to the Fair Grounds and it’s going to be memorable.”
Into Mystic returned $4.60 to win, $3.20 to place, and $2.80 to show. Elle Z brought back $4.60 to place and $3.60 to show, while Change of Control paid $6.20 to show.
