Horse Profile: Tiz Mischief

Brave and genuine, Tiz Mischief looks set to be one of the great bargains of the 2016 Keeneland September yearling sale – and maybe even a Kentucky Derby horse.

Foaled on May 6, 2015, Tiz Mischief was bred in Kentucky by T/C Stable LLC. Consigned to Keeneland by Cross Keys Stables, he was knocked down for $55,000 to trainer Dale Romans, who now prepares Tiz Mischief for owner Frank L. Jones, Jr.

Already Tiz Mischief has paid off his purchase price with $88,000 in earnings, and there’s the potential of plenty more.

Tiz Mischief began his career with a fourth-place finish at Ellis Park in August 2017, and then improved to finish second in his next start, a September maiden special weight at Churchill Downs behind the handy Ezmosh. He broke his maiden at his third start, a Keeneland maiden special weight in October over 1 1/16 miles, showing great speed in the stretch to overhaul Slot.

That victory was enough to convince Romans to send the horse to the 1 1/16-mile Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) in late November, and he showed great fight in the stretch, going down by just a head to Enticed.

Tiz Mischief is by Into Mischief, the Hollywood Futurity (G1) winner and half-brother to champion mare Beholder and 2017 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner Mendelssohn, a possible Derby rival for Tiz Mischief.

Beginning his career at a $12,500 fee, Into Mischief was leading 2-year-old sire in 2016 and is third on the 2017 table, his progeny headed by Belmont Futurity Stakes (G3) winner Engage. He now commands a $100,000 fee, and his 2018 book is full. His progeny have tended to excel up to 1 1/8 miles.

Tiz Mischief’s dam Indiva is by Tiznow, twice winner of the 1 ¼-mile Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) and whose progeny include the 1 ½-mile Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Da’Tara. Indiva is a half-sister to Payton d’Oro, winner of the 1 1/8-mile Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2).

Tiz Mischief has settled midfield or further back in the early stages of all four of his races, but has showed an ability to quicken, to take gaps, and to battle hard.

Tiz Mischief was available for an individual bet in Pool 1 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager, held over the four-day Thanksgiving weekend in which the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes was held. He was rated a 50-1 morning-line chance before betting opened, and had moved into 40-1 when the betting closed after his Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes effort.

There will be stamina doubts about Tiz Mischief given his sire, but his racing style and the fact Tiznow is his damsire suggests he has a chance of staying. His prep races should be watched closely.

Photo: Tiz Mischief, #12, in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes