Godolphin homebred First Mission split rivals in deep stretch and powered away to a convincing two-length victory in the $1.25 million G2 Oaklawn Handicap at Oaklawn Park on Saturday, 19 April.
The victory was the five-year-old son of Street Sense’s fourth Graded Stakes win, and his first since capturing the G2 Alysheba Stakes on Kentucky Oaks day last spring. Prior to his victory Saturday, First Mission was a close third (beaten just a neck) in the G3 Razorback Handicap over this same track on 23 Feb.
Ridden for the first time by jockey Flavien Prat, First Mission was settled into a stalking position in fourth, content to let defending champion Skippylongstocking pressure longshot Go West Go for the early lead. Banishing, recent winner of the G3 Oaklawn Mile, raced in third as First Mission saved ground along the inside rail.
Banishing moved up to challenge Skippylongstocking as Go West Go began to fade after the opening half mile. First Mission was travelling comfortably just behind them, just needing a seam to open in order to make his move. Entering the homestretch Banishing took a narrow advantage over Skippylongstocking as First Mission was still forced to wait for an opening. Looming on the far outside was Alexander Helios, who was closing stoutly under Luis Saez.
A seam finally opened for First Mission inside the final furlong, and he immediately took advantage, shooting through along the rail to take the lead. He pulled clear nearing the wire to win by two lengths over Banishing, with Skippylongstocking holding on for third.
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.
First Mission joins G1 Ashland Stakes winner La Cara as recent Graded Stakes winners for their sire, Street Sense. Additional Stakes winners for stallion include Kinetic, winner of the General MacArthur Overnight Stakes at Oaklawn Park, along with Never Explain (G3 Tampa Bay S.) and Comparative (G3 Bayakoa S.) in 2024.
Street Sense stands at Jonabell Farm for a fee of $50,000, stands and nurses.
