Cyclone Mischief – Kentucky Derby Context

Cyclone Mischief will be expected to show speed if he makes the Kentucky Derby field. Last seen finishing third in the Florida Derby (G1), the bay colt still needs a defection in the days leading up to the post position draw on May 1. A sharp allowance scorer at Gulfstream Park in January, Cyclone Mischief faltered as the favorite in the Holy Bull (G3) next out. He rebounded with an improved showing in the Florida Derby, prompting the pace from the outset, and held well to be a clear third behind Forte and Mage. Cyclone Mischief will need to keep moving forward from a numbers standpoint, but he’s exiting an encouraging effort and his positional speed could be an edge in the Kentucky Derby.

Owner: Dennis Albaugh and Jason Loutsch’s Albaugh Family Stables and Castleton Lyons. Based in Des Moines, Iowa, Albaugh Racing Stables is unplaced from three Kentucky Derby attempts. Albaugh also owns top contender Angel of Empire and co-owns Jace’s Road this year. Founded in the late 1700s, Castleton Farm was renamed Castleton Lyons after being purchased by Dr. Tony Ryan in 2001. Ryan passed away in 2007, and the farm is now operated by his son, Shane Ryan.

Trainer: Since sending out his first runner in 2006, Dale Romans has saddled 11 horses in the Kentucky Derby. The 56-year-old Louisville native owns a pair of thirds, Paddy O’Prado (2010) and Dullahan (2012), and Shackleford finished fourth before coming back to win the Preakness in 2011. An Eclipse Award-winning trainer, Romans is the second-winningest conditioner at Churchill Downs, accumulating more than 700 wins under the Twin Spires.

Jockey: Decision pending.

Breeder/Sales: Kentucky-bred Cyclone Mischief sold for $450,000 as a yearling at 2021 Keeneland September sale, and breeder Castleton Lyons retained an ownership piece. Castleton Lyons also bred 2017 Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Gormley, who finished ninth in the Kentucky Derby.

Sire: The reigning four-time leading sire in North America, Into Mischief produced back-to-back Kentucky Derby winners in Authentic and Mandaloun (2020-21). He also has Rocket Can and Sun Thunder in the main body of the 2023 field. By Harlan’s Holiday, Into Mischief is responsible for six champions and a Horse of the Year. The 18-year-old stallion, a juvenile Grade 1 winner, stands at Spendthrift Farm in Lexington, Kentucky.

Dam: Cyclone Mischief is the first stakes-placed performer from the Bernardini mare Areyoucominghere. She’s out of the Uchitel, a daughter of 2005 Preakness and Belmont winner Afleet Alex, and Areyoucominghere is a half-sister to Grade 3 winner Suddenbreakingnews, who finished fifth in the 2007 Kentucky Derby. Bernardini, the 2006 champion three-year-old male and Preakness winner, is the broodmare sire of 2019 Kentucky Oaks winner Serengeti Empress, and he’s by A.P. Indy.