First Mission signaled that he will be a force in the older horse division this year with an authoritative four-length victory in the G2 Alysheba Stakes at Churchill Downs on Friday, 3 May.
Sent off as the favorite off his victory in the G3 Essex Handicap last time out, First Mission was settled in third as Japanese raider T O Saint Denis shot to the front and opened a five-length lead on the rest of the field. T O Saint Denis continued to lead the way turning for home, but his lead was dwindling, as the rest of the field began to close in.
First Mission made a bid in the upper stretch, eventually sweeping past T O Saint Denis and taking command with a sixteenth of a mile left to run. The dark bay colt then pulled away, eventually crossing the wire to win by four lengths. A determined T O Saint Denis held on for second, just holding off the late-closing Il Miracolo in a photo.
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.
