First Mission

First Mission began his racing career as a 3-year-old in a six-furlong maiden race at Fair Grounds on Feb. 18, 2023, and earned a fast speed figure in defeat, settling for second that day by three-quarters of a length behind a repeat next-out winner while 5 1/4 lengths clear of the third-place horse.

First Mission would remain a maiden no longer. He graduated in his second lifetime start on March 18 back at Fair Grounds by 6 3/4 lengths when stretched out to two turns for the first time in a 1 1/16-mile race.

First Mission tried stakes competition in his third outing and was victorious in impressive fashion in the Grade 3 Stonestreet Lexington Stakes at Keeneland on April 15. Sent off as the 2-1 favorite on the tote board in a field of 10, First Mission stalked the pace of front running Arabian Lion most of the way, surged up the rail to challenge in mid-stretch, and wore down the leader to win by half a length in a time of 1:43.74 for the 1 1/16 miles. It was another 4 1/4 lengths back to third place finisher Disarm.

First Mission is trained by Brad cox. He was bred in Kentucky by the sire Street Sense out of the mare Elude by Medaglia d'Oro. He is owned by Godolphin.