Mia Mischief Mighty in Carousel

HOT SPRINGS, AR – Stonestreet Stables’ Mia Mischief avenged her defeat in last year’s running with a mighty powerful performance in the stretch to win Saturday’s $125,000 Carousel Stakes at Oaklawn Park.

Breaking smartly from the far outside post 8 as the 3/2 second choice under Ricardo Santana, Jr., Mia Mischief was forwardly-placed early, safely crossing over several of her inner rivals. Just ahead of her, Amy’s Challenge posted opening fractions of :21.91 and :45.21 as Mia Mischief watched from her close stalking position.

Ranging up alongside Amy’s Challenge at the top of the stretch, Mia Mischief soon powered her way past the pacesetter and drew off impressively. Hand-ridden the final 1/16 of a mile home, the Steve Asmussen trainee crossed 4 1/2 lengths much the best in a final time of 1:09.57 for the 6-furlong sprint over the fast main track.

Amy’s Challenge held second by 3 1/4 lengths over Lady Suebee, while the 7/5 favorite Bellafina was a flat fourth, never fully engaging the field after stutter-stepping out of the gate in her 2020 debut. Sunny Dale, Class Act, Midnight Fantasy, and What a Fox completed the order of finish.

Mia Mischief’s win was her third straight dating back to early November and improved her overall record to 21-10-6-1 with $1,215,234 earned. The 5-year-old daughter of Into Mischief was nearly retired last fall before her connections opted to give her one more season, a decision they are surely happy to have made.

“Obviously, she’s a very talented mare,” Asmussen said. “She’s a Grade 1 winner. I think she’s better now than she’s ever been and we’re very fortunate to train her for Stonestreet Stables. She’s very special. Hopefully, we can see her in the Breeders’ Cup this fall. With her ability, that’s the path she should be on.”

Mia Mischief returned $5 to win, $3 to place, and $2.40 to show. Amy’s Challenge brought back $4.40 to place and $3.60 to show, while Lady Suebee paid $11.20 to show.