Rising Star Wins Alysheba Mission with Splashdown Triumph

First Mission, trained by Brad Cox and ridden by jockey Florent Geroux, won the Alysheba Stakes at Churchill Downs, marking Cox’s second graded win of the day and Geroux’s third consecutive win, with the horse showing potential for future Grade I successes.

– ‣ “TDN Rising Star” First Mission, trained by Brad Cox and ridden by jockey Florent Geroux, won the GIII Alysheba S., marking a significant victory in Churchill Downs and showcasing the team’s strong performance in the racing season.
– ‣ First Mission demonstrated a powerful finish, overcoming the early leader in the stretch to win by four lengths, highlighting his potential as a Grade I-caliber horse and setting up expectations for future high-stakes competitions.
– ‣ The pedigree of First Mission, a Godolphin homebred, is notable with connections to Argentine champion Forty Marchanta (Arg), indicating a strong genetic foundation for racing success and attracting attention in the horse racing community.

#3 First Mission rockets home to take the Alysheba Stakes presented by TwinSpires @ChurchillDowns as the even money favorite!

Jockey: @flothejock
Trainer: @bradcoxracing
Owner: @godolphin

🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/gLsYgCTkZS

— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) May 3, 2024

In the heart of Louisville, KY, something thrilling unfolded at Churchill Downs. ‘TDN Rising Star’ First Mission, a progeny of Street Sense, showcased a blistering performance. This was during the GIII Alysheba S., under the skilled guidance of trainer Brad Cox. It was a spectacle, marking Cox’s second graded win that day. Earlier, he celebrated victory in the La Troienne S. with Idiomatic (Curlin).

Jockey Florent Geroux was on fire, clinching his third consecutive win. His victories included triumphs with Idiomatic and Ova Charged (Star Guitar) in the GIII Unbridled Sidney S. Meanwhile, T O Saint Denis (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) gave a commendable performance. Despite being edged out by Kentucky Derby hopeful T O Password (Jpn) (Copano Rickey {Jpn}) in a recent half-mile breeze, he led with impressive fractions.

First Mission, however, bided his time in third, hugging the rail. As the race heated up on the far turn, he advanced to second. Still, three lengths behind at the stretch’s start, he seemed to be in a tight spot. Yet, at the eighth pole, with the leader still ahead, First Mission unleashed his power. He surged past his rival, clinching victory by four lengths, leaving Il Miracolo (Gun Runner) in third. Notably, Grade I winner Tapit Trice (Tapit) was scratched, adding an unexpected twist to the race’s narrative.

Geroux shared his strategy post-race, emphasizing patience and riding one’s race. He acknowledged T O Saint Denis’s formidable performance, noting how his horse gained momentum and finished with ease. This victory wasn’t just about speed; it was about strategy and timing.

First Mission’s journey to this point is a tale of resilience and potential. Named a ‘Rising Star’ early in his career, he faced setbacks, including an injury that withdrew him from the GI Preakness S. contention. Yet, his performances, including a win in the GIII Lexington S. and a strong showing in the GII Clark S., hinted at his Grade I potential.

Post-race, Cox expressed confidence in First Mission’s abilities and future prospects. He believed the horse was in perfect rhythm, poised for more significant achievements. Jockey Ryusei Sakai, who rode T O Saint Denis and is set for the Derby with T O Password, reflected on the race’s value as preparation for the challenges ahead.

Pedigree notes reveal First Mission’s distinguished lineage, tracing back to Elude, a daughter of Argentine champion Forty Marchanta (Arg) (Roar). The narrative extends to Foil, a full brother to First Mission, highlighting the family’s continued promise in racing.

The excitement of First Mission’s victory at the Alysheba Stakes, presented by TwinSpires, was palpable. With jockey Florent Geroux, trainer Brad Cox, and owner Godolphin leading the charge, the race was a testament to skill, strategy, and the heart-pounding thrill of horse racing. The anticipation for what lies ahead for First Mission is undeniable, as the racing world watches with bated breath.