Bishops Bay leads the first mission | Hodges . Photography
Via Steve Sherack
In this continuing series, Steve Sherack, TDN’s Senior Racing Editor, will catch up on the relationships of promising young women to keep an eye on you.
first mission (c, 3, street feeling–Elude, by Medaglia d’Oro) won a flamboyant 96 Beyer Speed Image in sprinting at his debut on the Risen Star S. GII card at Fair Grounds on Feb. 18. And he wasn’t even photographed.
The Triple Crown-nominated Godolphin hybrid is 3/4 less in length than Bishops Bay, his Brad Cox-trained and highly touted stable friend (Uncle Mo) in a special weight for six-haired maidens that looked very alive that day.
Given a 9-2 chance on debut as part of a joint-owned entry, First Mission blinked in pursuit in fifth as the highly favored Bishops Bay sat in second at halftime with Clear score: 22.14.
Up a couple of places in third while racing among long-distance rivals, First Mission sped up three laps wide while driving away from the quarter-post and appearing boldly on the trail. His left lead when Bishops Bay handled very confidently enjoyed running and turning first they entered.
The first mission was on even terms and looked like it was going to be a big hit despite some drifting, but Bishops Bay progressed a bit better and responded wonderfully by the end. along with Florent Geroux sat down to receive his diploma when he first claimed in a race that didn’t deserve to be a loser. It’s been a long way back to Bettera (Blame) in third place.
“He has always been our favorite horse since he went down to Florida last year for pre-training,” said Godolphin USA Bloodstock Director Michael Banahan. “He had a few minor issues in his late teens and (rehab coach Godolphin) Johnny Burke restored him and made him walk again. When he came to Brad’s barn, he was very enthusiastic about him and always appreciated him.”
First Mission GI Kentucky Derby winner male street feeling in charge of 12 students who won 1st prize. The first task is done by the winner Medaglia d’Oro mare Elude, the daughter of the 3-year-old Argentine champion and MG1SW Forty Marchanta (Arg) (Roar).
The first mission ran five laps in 1:02.80 (42/52) on March 11 and will stretch to two runs for his second career start at 1 1/16 mile against 10 opponents in New Orleans on Saturday. The aforementioned Bishops Bay returns in an optional claimant that will go twice at Fair Grounds Sunday.
“Having run more than three-quarters of the way at the Fair Grounds, we were impressed with the way he did it knowing he wanted to stretch,” said Banahan.
“We are really looking forward to seeing him in the next game. If he can perform as well as we expected when he debuts, we’ll have a great spring-summer with him.”
The ‘Second Chance’ Honor Board is led by two-time Breeders’ Cup winner and stallion Ashford Stud golden friend (Uncle Mo), HOLD Runhappy Santa Anita Derby winner and stallion Lane’s End honor AP (Honor code), GI Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner and GI Forego S. Cody’s Wish (make for curly), GI winner Carter H. and stallion Darley speaker corner (street feeling) and MGISW and ‘TDN Rising Star’ Paradise Woods (rag alliance).
Other highlights to appear in the series include: last Saturday’s GI Beholder Mile S. winner A Mo Reay (Uncle Mo); GI Preakness S. finished in third place creative minister (creative cause); HOLD Runhappy Del Mar Futurity and GII San Felipe S. finished in third place peeler (make for curly); GSW & MGISP Spielberg (rag alliance); GSW Moonlight d’Oro (Medaglia d’Oro); GSW backyard paradise (Tizway); solid waste & ‘TDN’s Rising Star’ Gidu (Ire) (Frankel {GB}); SW & GSP war at sea (War front); and SW & ‘TDN’s Rising Star’ Artorius (Superior).
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This story was posted in News is shared and tagged Bishops’ Bay, Brad Cox, Fairgrounds, first mission, Godolphin, maidens to see, Michael Banahan, Second chance, street feeling, Three crowns.
