First Mission took command at the top of the lane and drew off through the stretch to post an impressive five-length victory in the $600,000 G3 Essex Handicap at Oaklawn Park on Saturday, 23 March.
It was the second Graded Stakes win for the four-year-old Street Sense colt, who captured the G3 Lexington Stakes at Keeneland last year.
Forwardly placed by jockey Florent Geroux, First Mission prompted the pace from second, sitting just off the flank of Great Escape. First Mission took over the lead on the far turn before pulling away through the stretch to win easily.
First Mission was bred in Kentucky by Godolphin and is out of Elude, a winning daughter of Medaglia d’Oro. Second dam is Argentinian Champion Forty Marchanta (by Roar), winner of the G1 Polla de Potrancas, G1 De Potrancas and G1 Gran Premio Seleccion.
Street Sense is the sire of three Graded Stakes winners in 2024. In addition to First Mission, he is the sire of Never Explain (G3 Tampa Bay Stakes) and two-time Stakes winner, Comparative (G3 Bayakoa and Ladies Stakes).
Street Sense is standing the 2024 breeding season at Jonabell Farm for $60,000, stands and nurses.
