Private Mission continues to roll, takes Zenyatta S. (G2)

Private Mission is likely headed to the Breeders’ Cup after the 3-year-old Into Mischief filly defeated older horses in Sunday’s $200,000 Zenyatta S. (G2) at Santa Anita Park.

The Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) will be held Nov. 6 at Del Mar.

After easily defeating horses her own age in the Aug. 21 Torrey Pines S. (G3), Private Mission was the lone 3-year-old in Sunday’s field of eight going 1 1/16-miles. She came away from the gate well and took up a spot in second, just to the outside of Samurai Charm.

That duo continued to run one-two until Samurai Charm gave way going into the far turn. Private Mission opened up by two lengths immediately and held that margin all the way to the wire, officially winning by 2 ¼-lengths in 1:43.77 on a fast main track.

“Private Mission, I’m glad I stayed home with her,” winning trainer Bob Baffert said of the decision of not to ship the filly east for the Cotillion S. (G1). “I decided this would be best for her with the Breeders’ Cup in mind, we didn’t want to stress her. She’s on the improve, getting better and better.”

Private Mission, a $750,000 purchase by owner Baoma Corp. at the 2019 Fasig-Tipton Yearling Saratoga sale, has won four of five starts and earned $256,800.

Bred by Mt. Brilliant Broodmares I LLC, Private Mission is out of the stakes winner Private Gift, who is a half-sister to Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Private Status. Private Mission is a half-sister to Secret Someone, who was represented by a $1 million Into Mischief colt at this year’s Keeneland September Yearling sale.

Into Mischief’s progeny have earned $19.9 million to date in 2021. The two-time champion sire set a record in 2020 with $22.1 million.