Into Mischief maintaining pace to break own record

At the halfway point of this year, Into Mischief again finds himself atop North America’s sires, by a number of metrics, and is also more than halfway to his own single-season earnings record.

Into Mischief, the two-time reigning leading general sire for Spendthrift Farm, has amassed progeny earnings of $12,532,359 through June 27, with all North American graded stakes for the first half of 2021 in the books. He has opened a margin of more than a million dollars on Hill ‘n’ Dale resident Ghostzapper, whose progeny have earned $11,508,274 – with more than $7.3 million of that coming from Dubai World Cup winner Mystic Guide. Into Mischief’s progeny earned $22,506,085 in 2020, a single-season record for a North American sire.

Into Mischief also leads his peers by several other metrics that show his quality. He leads the nation with 10 graded stakes winners, including Grade 1 winners Gamine and Mischevious Alex and multiple graded stakes winner Mandaloun. The latter crossed the line second in the Kentucky Derby to Medina Spirit. Should that colt eventually be disqualified due to his medication positive that is still under investigation, Mandaloun being declared the winner could make Into Mischief officially the first stallion ever to sire back-to-back Kentucky Derby winners, after he was represented by 2020 victor Authentic.

Into Mischief also leads multiple lists on the Beyer Sire Performance Standings, Daily Racing Form’s exclusive stallion performance metrics. The stallion leads by individual runners to meet or exceed the benchmark Beyer Speed Figure of 90 or higher through the first half of this season by 31 to 24 over Hill ‘n’ Dale’s Curlin. He is also tied for the most individuals to record triple-digit Beyers at this point: He, Curlin, and Gainesway’s Tapit each have four.

Tapit is fourth and Curlin is sixth, respectively, on the current earnings list, both in the process of putting together solid seasons. Tapit recorded his fourth Belmont Stakes winner with champion Essential Quality, tying him with the great Lexington for the all-time record in that classic. Essential Quality posted a Beyer of 109 in his victory, tied with Mischevious Alex, who ran a 109 in the Grade 1 Carter Handicap, for the top figure this season.

Curlin, just behind Into Mischief with nine graded stakes winners thus far this season, leads the nation with three Grade 1 winners. Kentucky Oaks and Ashland Stakes heroine Malathaat is joined by Florida Derby winner Known Agenda and Santa Anita Handicap winner Idol.