Expectations for Cornucopian have been excessive ever since he was bought by agent Donato Lanni for $1.1 million out of Gainesway’s consignment on the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, however a number of strokes of dangerous luck plagued the colt in his earlier graded makes an attempt. Nevertheless, the persistence of his connections paid off March 29 because the son of Into Mischief scored within the $100,500 San Carlos Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park.
The hype was alive and nicely following Cornucopian’s debut at Oaklawn Park in February 2025, successful by 5 3/4 lengths in a efficiency that was nicely revered by pace figures. He would then go off the odds-on favourite within the Arkansas Derby (G1) regardless of stretching out from 6 furlongs to 1 1/8 miles, and was caught in what the Equibase chart dubbed a “suicidal” tempo duel and completed fourth.Cornucopian, b, 4/c
Into Mischief — Magical World, by Distorted Humor
Proprietor: SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing or |Madaket Stables LLC, et al
Breeder: Three Chimneys Farm, LLC & Whisper Hill Farm, LLC (KY)
Coach: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez
Data offered by Equibase at time of entry.
Pedigree Notes
Into Mischief stands at Spendthrift Farm for $250,000 (2026).
Sale Historical past
KEESEP2023 • $1,100,000 • Consignor: Gainesway • Purchaser: Donato Lanni, agent for SF Racing/Starlight Racing/Madaket Steady.
Coming again a month later to complete second in opposition to allowance foes at Aqueduct Racetrack, Corridor of Fame coach Bob Baffert and the big possession crew nicknamed “The Avengers” would decide to offer the horse a break. That layoff was alleged to conclude Dec. 28 within the Malibu Stakes (G1), however he could be a scratch within the paddock after shedding his footing and falling on his facet.
Baffert definitely is aware of expertise when he sees it and, after the Malibu incident, determined the very best plan of action was to construct again up via “child steps.”
“He is a giant, lovely horse,” Baffert advised FanDuel TV Sunday, “We have been very excessive on him all alongside.”Join BloodHorse Every day
Cornucopian once more confirmed flashes of his expertise Jan. 31 with a 3-length win in opposition to allowance firm at Santa Anita, and that appeared to set him up completely for a return to the graded ranks. After outbreaking the San Carlos subject, jockey Juan Hernandez eased again and sat an ideal stalking journey in third whereas racing within the clear. Bartholdy would set fractions of :22.16 and :44.03 earlier than Listenupshance would take management on the quarter-pole, however Cornucopian was respiration down his neck.
Cornucopian confirmed indicators that there’s nonetheless extra to be taught whereas operating on his flawed lead down the lane, however it was evident he was a category above his rivals. He hit the wire 2 3/4 lengths clear whereas ending 7 furlongs in a handy guide a rough 1:20.71, paying $2.60 to win.
Listenupshance completed second whereas Bartholdy held on for third. Grade 1 winner Subsanador , making his first begin since September 2024, was severely outpaced early, however kicked into excessive gear within the stretch. Though lacking the board in fourth, his robust gallop out in entrance of the sphere suggests he’ll get again to his outdated kind rapidly and as he stretches again out in distance.
As for Cornucopian, it is on to greater and higher.
“We had been hoping he’d run nicely, and he did,” Baffert mentioned. “This was a tricky stakes race, there was good horses in there. I really like the way in which he did it. He got here again and it seemed prefer it did not tire him out an excessive amount of, as quick as he’s.”
Baffert mentioned Cornucopian will probably head east for his subsequent begin, however did not have any particular targets thought of but. Cornucopian was bred in Kentucky by Three Chimneys Farm and Whisper Hill Farm and races for SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Bashor Racing, Decided Stables, Robert Masterson, Tom Ryan, Waves Edge Capital, Catherine Donovan, and Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings.
Video: San Carlos S. (G3)
