Spellbinding win for Mischief Magic in G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint

Mischief Magic unleashed a scintillating late run as he came from last to first in the G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Keeneland, USA, on Friday, 4 November.

The Exceed And Excel homebred, who had displayed a similar turn of foot when taking the G3 Sirenia Stakes at Kempton Park in September, was slightly slow exiting the stalls and raced in a clear last as Speed Boat Beach and Tyler’s Tribe set a frenetic early pace.

Mischief Magic made stealthy headway down the inside rail turning in and moved up to a close sixth behind a wall of horses at the top of the straight.

Private Creed briefly hemmed Mischief Magic in soon after, with William Buick forced to wait until a gap appeared between horses approaching the final half-furlong.

The Charlie Appleby-trained colt flew home, collaring Dramatised in the closing strides before quickening away for a length success.

Hugh Anderson, Managing Director of Godolphin (UK and Dubai), said: “I couldn’t be prouder – we’ve seen the best jockey in Europe and the best trainer in the world coming together. Charlie called the race beforehand exactly as it panned out.

“On behalf of Godolphin and the whole team, we are thrilled to be here at this wonderful event. What a great start to the meeting for us, with more to come.”

Charlie Appleby said: “I knew they would go hard in front and William [Buick] is riding with so much confidence. He got Mischief Magic on his lead down the back turn and had a lovely run up the inside.

“He was trying to angle out but got pushed back in, although I don’t think it did the horse any harm because he wants gaps rather than daylight. It was a fantastic ride by William and a great effort by the team.

“Mischief Magic will have the winter off now. He has the scope to develop from two to three and has probably put himself in the picture for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. I imagine we will work back from that race.”

William Buick added: “I expected to be outpaced early on. Mischief Magic is a comfortable closer over six furlongs, so I knew that five and a half here would catch him out early. I knew if I got onto the back of a horse who could take me into the straight, Mischief Magic would finish off well. He felt super there and really enjoyed coming off the turn.

“He ran very well in the Middle Park Stakes last time and is still learning. He enjoyed the ground and racing round a turn, everything just came together today.”