Half-Sister to Journalism RNA’s for $3.9 Million, Will Race for Don Alberto

Carlos Heller’s Don Alberto Stables opted to retain the Into Mischief filly out of the late Mopotism, who passed away young after producing just three foals, including standout Preakness winner Journalism

Journalism’s Sister to Begin Breaking in a Couple of Months / FASIG-TIPTON

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (Special for Turf Diario).- There are moments when emotions outweigh market logic, even in the high-stakes world of major U.S. auctions. That was the case Tuesday night at the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion, when a filly by Into Mischief out of Mopotism, a half-sister to the outstanding Journalism (Curlin), failed to meet her reserve at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale, with bidding stopping at $3.9 million.

Don Alberto Corporation, responsible for breeding and consigning the bay through Denali Stud, had put the filly up for sale—though not without reservations. The void left by the premature passing of Mopotism, who produced only three foals, weighed heavily that night in Saratoga. When the hammer fell unsold, relief was the prevailing feeling.

“Honestly, I didn’t know what I wanted to happen. It’s a huge relief,” admitted Reed Ringler, Chief Operating Officer of Don Alberto, to Paulick Report, watching the sale from the back of the pavilion. “It’s been an emotional rollercoaster for the entire farm. Seeing what Journalism is doing, losing the dam, having a Flightline filly born in April... and now this. If she had sold, I’d probably be outside crying. But we know this is business, even though we love them like our own kids.”

Offered as Hip 165, the filly is the third foal of Mopotism, a daughter of Uncle Mo who won the La Canada Stakes (G2) and placed multiple times at Grade 1. Before her passing, the mare left three foals: Journalism, who has emerged as one of the top stars of U.S. racing this year with victories in the Preakness Stakes (G1), Haskell Invitational (G1), and Santa Anita Derby (G1); the Into Mischief filly now withdrawn from the sale; and a filly by Flightline born April 30.

“This filly was viewed over 250 times before the sale. She’s beautiful. But a daughter of Into Mischief, a half-sister to a multiple G1 winner, and with the dam deceased... we needed a very strong reason to let her go,” added Ringler. “I’m very proud of the team at the farm for presenting her so well. Now we hope she can carry on her dam’s legacy—both on the track and later as a broodmare.”

The immediate plan is for the filly to return to Lexington to rest for about 60 days. Afterwards, she will be sent to Bridlewood Farm in Ocala, Florida, to begin her preparation as a racehorse. The intention is for her to eventually join the barn of Michael McCarthy, current trainer of Journalism, whose ownership group includes Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Don Alberto, Coolmore, Bridlewood, and others.

“Would we have liked to sell her? Of course. But as I told my wife tonight, we’re blessed by God to be here, competing with our peers. Bringing her home isn’t a loss,” Ringler concluded. “Carlos Heller (founder of Don Alberto Corp.) will be more than satisfied. Now we’ll take her to the races in our colors.”

In an era when a single race can change a catalog page’s value overnight, few pages have carried as much weight as Mopotism’s. What Journalism does every time he steps onto the track adds value to his siblings and honors their dam’s name. Now, that mission will continue with a filly who, with a bit of luck, will write her own story—right at home.