Into Mischief’s Laurel River romps in Pat O’Brien S. (G2)

Into Mischief got his 52^nd lifetime graded stakes winner Saturday at Del Mar when Laurel River rolled home a six-length winner in the $250,000 Pat O’Brien S. (G2).

Into Mischief, the leading sire iInto Mischief got his 52^nd lifetime graded stakes winner Saturday at Del Mar when Laurel River rolled home a six-length winner in the $250,000 Pat O’Brien S. (G2).n North America the last three years, is currently leading the 2022 General Sire list with $17.8 million in progeny earnings. He now has 10 graded stakes winners this year.

Laurel River broke well and contested the early lead before backing off the pace slightly, two lengths behind Speaker’s Corner after a quarter-mile in :22.41. Laurel River was bottled up behind horses on the turn, then when an opening appeared at the top of the stretch, he quickly shot to the front and pulled away impressively to win in 1:21.37 for the seven furlongs on a fast track.

As part of the Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In program, Laurel River earned an automatic berth into the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) in early November at Keeneland.

Trainer Bob Baffert said Laurel River will return to two-turn races, with the Awesome Again S. (G1) at Santa Anita on Oct. 1 his next target.

Owned by his breeder Juddmonte Farms Inc., Laurel River finished second in last year’s Laz Barrera S. (G3) and is now 4-1-0 in seven starts with earnings of $314,620.