Grade 2-winning juvenile Mutasaabeq to stand at Darby Dan Farm

Mutasaabeq shown winning the 2020 Bourbon S. (G2) at Keeneland - Coady photography

Mutasaabeq, a versatile Grade 2-winning juvenile by perennial leading sire Into Mischief, has been retired and will take up stud duty for the 2023 breeding season at Darby Dan Farm, the farm announced today. The deal was brokered by The Stallion Company, and his fee will be $7,500 S&N.

“Hailing from a sire line with a lot of upside, Mutasaabeq is a fast and precocious son of Into Mischief,” said Ryan Norton, Darby Dan Farm’s stallion director. “He is an outstanding individual with all the ingredients to be a top sire, and we’re excited about the opportunity to offer him to breeders in the upcoming breeding season.”

A $425,000 weanling purchase by Shadwell Stable at the 2018 Keeneland November Sale, Mutasaabeq came out running at two for trainer Todd Pletcher. He broke his maiden in scintillating fashion in his career debut, winning a Saratoga maiden special weight by a dominating 4 ½ lengths and earning TDN Rising Star designation in the overpowering bow.

Next up, he finished third to future champion Jackie’s Warrior in the Hopeful S. (G1) in just his second career start before impressively winning the $200,000 Bourbon S. (G2) at 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Keeneland in his first route try. After overcoming trouble at the start of the Bourbon S., Mutasaabeq trailed a competitive field of 11 through the early stages. He commenced a strong rally eight-wide turning for home, collared the leaders past the furlong pole and drove clear in the late stages to score going away by 2 ¼ lengths as much the best.

The following season at three, Mutasaabeq annexed the $100,000 Mucho Macho Man S. at one mile on the main track at Gulfstream Park. In contention throughout, Mutasaabeq kicked clear of his foes in upper stretch and held clear through the stretch to defeat stakes winner and graded stakes-placed Papetu by 1 ½ lengths in the end. All told, Mutasaabeq hit the board in four of six lifetime starts and earned $259,670.

By record-setting sire Into Mischief, Mutasaabeq is produced from the winning Scat Daddy mare Downside Scenario. This is also the family of this year’s Florida Derby (G1) winner White Abarrio, and graded stakes winners Sam Who and Cool Cowboy.

For more information about Mutasaabeq, or to arrange an inspection, please contact Ryan Norton at (859) 254-0424, or by email at ryan@darbydanfarm.