Into Mischief outdoes himself in Book 1 of Keeneland September sale

Into Mischief’s smashing success in Book 1 of the Keeneland September yearling sale continues his ascension into the company of history’s great stallions.

Into Mischief claimed his fourth consecutive North American general sire title in 2022 while again breaking his own single-season earnings record. No stallion on this continent has earned that many titles since Nasrullah (a five-time leading sire in 1955-56, 1959-60, 1962) and Bold Ruler (1963-69, 1973). Since then, only three stallions – Danzig, Giant’s Causeway, and Tapit – have earned as many as three titles.

Unsurprisingly, the commercial demand for Into Mischief has gone up along with his ontrack success. His advertised fee at Spendthrift Farm jumped from $150,000 in 2019 to $175,000 in 2020, after he claimed his first general sire title. That number has continued to rise to $225,000 in 2021 – the year his current yearlings were conceived – and $250,000 since then.

Led by his $3 million sale topper, Into Mischief sired 11 seven-figure yearlings in Book 1. That is the most in a single Keeneland sale since the late, great Storm Cat had 12 in 2005, and 10 in both 2006 and 2007.

Into Mischief led all Book 1 sires by gross, with 31 yearlings sold for $27,910,000. His average price was a staggering $900,323.

The dams of Into Mischief’s seven-figure yearlings included Kentucky Oaks winner Serengeti Empress and fellow multiple Grade 1 winner Guarana, both of whom went to the leading sire for their respective first matings.

“You’re wanting to get a mare off to a good start,” said Spendthrift Farm’s Mark Toothaker. “That was what I told Joel [Politi, who owns Serengeti Empress]. I said, you’ve got the Oaks winner, get her off to a great start. Go to the best of the best and get your mare off to a great start.”

Second to Into Mischief in Book 1 was fellow classic sire Uncle Mo, whose 17 yearlings grossed $12,495,000 for an average of $735,000. His four seven-figure lots included a $2.5 million filly who was the second-highest price of the book.

“I love Uncle Mo,” said agent Gavin O’Connor, who signed on the filly for John Stewart. “I love his babies. They’re so smart, they’re so intelligent. And when you see them, you see them, you know what I mean?”

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