HOT SPRINGS, AR (Saturday, April 25, 2020) – Stonestreet Stables LLC’s Grade 1 winner Mia Mischief drew off impressively to win Saturday’s $125,000 Carousel Stakes by 4 ½ lengths and in the process gave Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen his seventh victory in the race.
With regular rider Ricardo Santana Jr. in the irons, Mia Mischief sat right behind Amy’s Challenge through early fractions of :21 4/5 and :45 1/5 before assuming the lead around the turn for home. The winner completed the six furlong race in 1:09 3/5 over a fast track. Lady Suebee overcame a rough trip to get third.
“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.”
Bellafina, the slight 6-5 favorite over Mia Mischief, got off a step slow from her rail position and never got into a comfortable spot, finishing fourth.
“That’s kind of what we were all worried about, the 1 hole,” jockey Joe Talamo said. “She always breaks a step slow and that definitely cost us today, especially drawing the 1 hole. If she would have drawn outside, it would have been a whole different scenario. It is what it is.”
Mia Mischief, a 5-year-old Into Mischief mare, improved her record to 10-6-1 in 21 starts and has now earned $1,215,234. She returned $5, $3 and $2.40 at odds of 3-2.
Oaklawn Park Press Release
Photo: Mia Mischief. Credit: Coady Photography
