Mischief Magic closes late for G2 Shakertown Stakes second

Mischief Magic unleashed a strong stretch run to take second in the G2 Shakertown Stakes at Keeneland, USA, on Saturday, 6 April.

Returning to the scene of his 2022 G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint victory, the Charlie Appleby-trained sprinter raced at the rear as Yes I Am Free looked to stretch the 12-strong field.

Mischief Magic still had 10 rivals in front of him at the top of the straight but started to make inroads after being angled out by Tyler Gaffalione shortly afterwards.

The Exceed And Excel homebred went through the gears inside the final furlong, getting up for second close home to go down by a length to Arzak.

Tyler Gaffalione said: “Everything went to plan. The only thing was lack of pace in front of us, which was a little more honest, but Mischief Magic did everything right, ran his race and just was second best today. The fractions were a little bit slow for my liking, especially on a horse like that, but you’ve got to play the hand that’s dealt.”