Covfefe gives Into Mischief his second Breeders’ Cup winner

The brilliantly fast filly Covfefe came from just off the pace in Saturday’s $1 million Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare  Sprint (G1) to win the seven-furlong contest by about one length and secure her position as the top female sprinter of 2019.

The 3-year-old solidified Into Mischief’s position as the leading sire in North America this year, pushing him past the $16 million in progeny earnings. He has 192 winners to date, more than 35 than any other sire.

Into Mischief’s first Breeders’ Cup winner Goldencents won back-to-back runnings of the Dirt Mile in 2013-14.

Covfefe, in post 1, took back under Joel Rosario and shifted to the outside midway down the backstretch. Still in third after a half-mile in :44.78, she ranged up three-wide and took over the lead just before entering the stretch. She opened up by two lengths at the furlong marker, then held off Bellafina to get the seven furlongs in 1:22.40.

“She’s a champion, hopefully. I feel like championship honors were on the line for champion filly and mare sprinter. I hope she locked that up,” said trainer Brad Cox. “Two grade 1s, two very prestigious races. She overcame a lot today, too. I know this race hasn’t been around a long, long time, but I think eight Test winners maybe have tried this and not been able to break through.”

Cox was referring to Covfefe’s accomplishments this year, winning five of six races, including the Test S. (G1), and setting a track record in the Miss Preakness S. (G3). Saturday’s race was her first against older horses.

Covfefe also became a millionaire with her latest win. Owned by LNJ Foxwoods, she is 6-0-1 in 8 starts and has earned $1,110,025.

Covfefe was bred by Graves-Alexander Thoroughbreds. He unraced Unbridled dam Antics is a sister to Grade 1 winners Arch and Acoma.