Miss Mischief strengthens Sovereign credentials in Bessarabian

ETOBICOKE, Ontario — Miss Mischief staked her claim for the Sovereign Award as this year’s Canadian champion female sprinter with a handy score in Sunday’s Grade 2 Bessarabian Stakes at Woodbine.

The longshot Paddle Board dueled with Skylander Girl and then Endless Light through moderate fractions in the seven-furlong sprint, as Miss Mischief stalked three wide on the turn.

Miss Mischief swept to the lead at the eighth pole, and then coasted home on top by 2 1/4 lengths, in a quick 1:21.72. Paddle Board held off Elusive Collection for third, while the 5-2 favorite, Marbre Rose, trailed the seven-horse field.

It was the fourth winner on the card for leading rider Eurico Da Silva, who got a leg up from trainer Dale Capuano on the Maryland shipper.

“Mr. Capuano told me to give her a clear trip on the outside,” said Da Silva. “I tried to do that. She was keen, and [fell] into the race pretty good. I just waited to turn her loose. She fought very hard.”

Miss Mischief ($12.90) earned $120,000 of the $200,800 purse for owner Diane Manning.

The minimum number of Canadian starts to qualify for a Sovereign Award is three, and Miss Mischief fits the bill. In the spring, she finished second in the Grade 3 Hendrie Stakes, before ending up third in the Trillium Stakes.