Making just his third start in this country, Mufasa (Chi) (Practical Joke) backed up his big-figure victory at Colonial Downs earlier this summer with an impressive performance in Saturday's 'Win and You're In' GIII Vosburgh Stakes at the Big A.
Favored at 8-5 here, he traveled nicely in second through an opening quarter in :23.13, took over approaching the quarter pole and punched home with authority to defeat Scotland (Good Magic) by 4 1/4 lengths.
Mufasa, an eight-time winner from 10 starts in his native Chile, including last year's G3 General Jose Miguel Carrera V., made two prior starts on these shores. Sixth as the favorite while making his U.S. and seasonal debut in an optional claimer going 6 1/2 furlongs at Churchill Downs June 30, Mufasa earned a 99 Beyer Speed Figure in a live optional claimer going seven furlongs at Colonial last time Aug. 12.
“I think it was impressive,” winning trainer Ignacio Correas, IV said. “He'd never run on the slop. He did everything good, like usual, like good horses do. He's a good horse, probably when he ran at Churchill, it was a little short, but he showed he could run, he made a big move that day. Then, at Colonial, he beat a very good horse (Repo Rocks). Then today he was impressive again. I mean, no words can describe his performance.”
As for what's next, he added, “(Breeders' Cup) Sprint, (Dirt) Mile, I don't know. I have to talk to the owners. He's going to Breeders' Cup if everything is OK. So, we'll see.”
Pedigree Notes:
Mufasa is one of 28 graded/group winners worldwide for Practical Joke. The Practical Joke x Scat Daddy cross is also responsible for South American top-level winners Berberisca (Chi), El Oriente (Chi), Richi (Chi) and Soqui (Chi).
5YO Mufasa, son of @coolmoreamerica stallion Practical Joke, dominates the Vosburgh Stakes (G3) and punches his ticket to the @BreedersCup under @iradortiz for @IgnacioCorreas! pic.twitter.com/4jQsZAxybF
— NYRA (🌳) (@TheNYRA) September 28, 2024
Saturday, Belmont The Big A
VOSBURGH S.-GIII, $250,000, Belmont The Big A, 9-28, 3yo/up, 7f, 1:22.51, sy.
1–MUFASA (CHI), 120, h, 5, by Practical Joke
1st Dam: Miscanti (Chi), by Scat Daddy
2nd Dam: Miqui, by Western Cat
3rd Dam: Mi Quimera (Arg), by Good Manners
O-Saavedra, Carlos and Stud Vendaval, Inc.; B-Haras Paso Nevado (CHI); T-Ignacio Correas, IV; J-Irad Ortiz, Jr.. $137,500. Lifetime Record: GSW-Chi, 13-10-0-0, $250,841. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5- cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Scotland, 120, g, 4, Good Magic–Gemswick Park, by Speightstown. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. O/B-LNJ Foxwoods (KY); T-William I. Mott. $50,000.
3–Dean Delivers, 120, g, 5, Cajun Breeze–Slick and True, by Yes It's True. O/B-Stonehedge LLC (FL); T-Edward T. Allard. $30,000.
Margins: 4 1/4, 2 3/4, 4. Odds: 1.60, 2.85, 2.75.
Also Ran: Baby Yoda, Seven's Eleven, Lord Miles. Scratched: Comedy Town.
Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
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