First Mission charged through an opening along the rail and outbattled Arabian Lion to the wire to earn a hard-earned, half-length victory in the G3 Stonestreet Lexington Stakes at Keeneland on Saturday, 15 April.
The three-year-old Street Sense colt, who was making his Stakes debut for owner-breeder Godolphin, improved his record to two wins and a second-place finish in three career starts. The Lexington victory will likely be used as a launchpad for more ambitious goals, such as a start in the G1 Preakness Stakes on 20 May.
Breaking alertly under jockey Luis Saez, First Mission was content to sit just off pacesetter Arabian Lion as the field raced into the clubhouse turn and onto the backstretch. As the field entered the far turn, Arabian Lion drifted out slightly and First Mission took advantage, shooting through the opening along the inside rail. First Mission gamely persevered for the win despite Arabian Lion trying to intimidate him by shifting in and crowding him in the final yards.
First Mission was bred in Kentucky and is out of Elude, a winning daughter of Medaglia d’Oro. Second dam is Argentinian Champion Forty Marchanta (by Roar), winner of the G1 Polla de Potrancas, G1 De Potrancas and G1 Gran Premio Seleccion.
Street Sense is the sire of 12 career G1 winners, including three stallion sons standing in Kentucky: Maxfield, Speaker’s Corner and McKinzie. No stallion standing for under $100k could top his 12 BT winners in 2022.
Street Sense is standing the 2023 season at Jonabell Farm for $75,000, stands and nurses.
