Audible returns with big performance in Cherokee Run S.

Into Mischief’s Grade 1 winner Audible won the $200,000 Cherokee Run S. Saturday at Churchill Downs by two lengths in his first start since finishing third in the Kentucky Derby (G1).

Audible is Into Mischief’s leading earner this year, and is one of his 17 stakes winners that have accounted for 27 stakes wins, which leads all active North American sires in 2018.

The 3-year-old Audible, owned by China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners, Starlight Racing and WinStar Farm,, has now won five of seven starts and has earned $1,200,720. His wins this spring included victories in the Florida Derby (G1) and Holy Bull S. (G2).

Although he broke well enough, when a multiple horse scramble for the lead ensued soon after the break, Javier Castellano took Audible back off the pace. Going into the final turn, Castellano went around horses and was closing on the lead with every stride. Six-wide into the stretch, he struck the front and moved away very smartly to get the seven furlongs in a lively 1:22.46.

“He did everything like a professional today,” Castellano said. “The seven furlongs may have been a bit short but he handled everything like a pro. We broke great and got into a great position with the pace up front.”

“I think he could be Pegasus bound after that,” WinStar Farm President and Racing Manager Elliott Walden added, referencing the January 26th Pegasus World Cup (G1) at Gulfstream Park.