Pretty Mischievous narrowly foiled in G1 Cotillion Stakes

Pretty Mischievous unleashed a late charge to go down by half a length to all-the-way winner Ceiling Crusher in the G1 Cotillion Stakes at Parx, USA, on Saturday, 23 September.

Encountering a sloppy track for the second time in her career, Pretty Mischievous broke on terms and was held up in sixth as Ceiling Crusher opened up a half-length lead over her eight rivals.

Pretty Mischievous took closer order between runners at the halfway point and the three-time G1 winner moved up to dispute third when Ceiling Crusher attempted to stretch the field turning in.

Switched out at the top of the straight, Pretty Mischievous found plenty for Tyler Gaffalione and went second from Hoosier Philly with a furlong to race. The Brendan Walsh-trained filly closed strongly but could not get on terms with Ceiling Crusher, who held on gamely, with Occult rallying to finish third.

Brendan Walsh said: “I’m a little disappointed in that Pretty Mischievous maybe didn't handle the track great initially. Tyler said as soon as she switched her leads down the back, she kind of felt her way back into the race. But Ceiling Crusher got the jump on us and was gone.

“Pretty Mischievous always gives it 110 percent. Anytime she has been beaten she hasn't been beaten far. You can't be disappointed in her, we are just a little disappointed in the circumstances. Hats off to Ceiling Crusher – she took her opportunity and won the race. I'm not taking anything away from her.”

Tyler Gaffalione added: “Pretty Mischievous was kind of resenting the track for the first quarter-mile but, once she switched leads down the backside, she was in a little better position. The winner just had the jump on us today.”