Mia Mischief scores convincingly in Humana Distaff

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Perhaps more than the massive throngs, Mia Mischief likes being at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby weekend. One year after wiring the field in the Eight Belles (G2) on Oaks Day, the four-year-old filly turned in another top-shelf performance in the $500,000 Humana Distaff (G1), the first stakes on Saturday's Derby Day undercard.

"This week, here, seven-eighths obviously suits her," trainer Steve Asmussen said.

Ranging up alongside pacesetter Amy's Challenge down the backside, Mia Mischief took back a bit approaching the far turn, but then unleashed a more potent bid approaching the quarter pole while under confident handling from Ricardo Santana Jr. Taking over turning for home, Mia Mischief  opened up and scored a comfortable 1 3/4-length win over rallying 9-10 favorite Marley's Freedom. Amy's Challenge weakened to third.

Owned by William and Corinne Heiligbrodt, Scott Heider, and Madaket Stables, Mia Mischief completed the distance in 1:21.78 over a fast track. She paid $25.

This was the third stakes win for Mia Mischief, who score her initial added-money triumph in the $150,000 Purple Martin at Oaklawn Park prior to the Eight Belles. Since the latter, Mia Mischief had placed in the Victory Ride (G3), Test (G1), and $150,000 Carousel, the latter on April 6. Her record now stands at 14-6-6-0, $883,420.

Bred in Kentucky by Spendthrift Farm, Mia Mischief is by Into Mischief and out of Greer Lynn, by Speightstown.