First Mission, grandson of Forty Marchanta, captured the rich Oaklawn Handicap in style

The Godolphin runner capped a stellar Saturday for South American breeding in the U.S.

First Mission added another major win to his résumé and now sets his sights on Grade I company / OAKLAWN PARK

HOT SPRINGS, Arkansas (Special to Turf Diario) – It was a banner weekend for South American breeding on the international stage, particularly in the United States. At Keeneland, Argentine trainer Ignacio Correas IV sent out Utah Beach (English Channel) to win the GII Elkhorn S.; in California, Chilean mare Richi (Practical Joke) turned in a dominant performance in the GII Santa Maria S. at Santa Anita Park; and at Oaklawn Park, First Mission added another highlight to the weekend, capturing the GII Oaklawn H. (1800m, dirt, $1,250,000) and offering Argentina—and the region—another reason to celebrate.

The son of Street Sense has deep Argentine roots, being out of Elude, a daughter of the unforgettable champion Forty Marchanta (Roar), winner of the G1 Polla de Potrancas, G1 Selección, and G1 Gran Premio de Potrancas in 2004.

With a composed and professional effort, First Mission lived up to his billing as the favorite in one of the premier races for older horses on the U.S. calendar. Representing Godolphin and expertly handled by Frenchman Flavien Prat, the 5-year-old prevailed by two lengths over Banishing (Ghostzapper), stopping the clock in a sharp 1:49.90 over a fast track—the fastest time of the meet at the distance. It marked his fourth graded stakes victory and arguably the most complete performance of his career.

The win also served as redemption for his runner-up effort in the GIII Razorback H. on Feb. 23, where he was narrowly beaten by Alexander Helios (Cairo Prince), with Banishing also ahead of him. This time, First Mission left both rivals behind in the final furlong.

Settled in fourth early along the rail behind pacesetter Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator), who carved out lively fractions (1:10.88 for six furlongs), First Mission made his winning move in the stretch. As Banishing swept to the lead on the outside, Prat found a seam between the leaders, and his mount responded with a decisive turn of foot to secure the win.

“It was a perfect trip,” said Prat. “He broke well, got into a good spot, and traveled smoothly all the way. Brad told me the horse was coming into the race in great form, and he was absolutely right.”

Banishing finished 5 3/4 lengths ahead of Skippylongstocking, who was attempting to become the first back-to-back winner of the Oaklawn H. since Gay Revoke (Blue Gay) in 1964-65. Disarm (Gun Runner) was fourth, followed by Alexander Helios and Red Route One (Gun Runner).

“He beat a really solid group and did it with authority,” said trainer Brad Cox via phone. “That was a high-level performance at a mile and an eighth. This sets him up perfectly for the rest of the year, and we’re excited to aim him back at Grade I company. It feels like he’s just now hitting his peak at five. He’s always trained like a good one, and we were confident coming in.”

With the victory, First Mission surpassed the $2-million mark in career earnings, boasting six wins from 12 starts. Now, the road points toward a season-defining goal: breaking through at the Grade I level—a box he has yet to check despite three previous attempts.