Mizdirection

Mizdirection did the near impossible when she captured the 2012 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) — she left her co-owner almost speechless. That feat was no small task because that owner is Jim Rome, who makes his living as a sports broadcaster. The moment was a crowning achievement for both Mizdirection and Rome who was serving as a celebrity ambassador to promote the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. He was so enthralled by the dark gray’s triumph that he kissed her sweaty face as she entered the winner’s circle. Even better, Mizdirection, a Kentucky bred daughter of Mizzen Mast, trained by Mike Puype, returned for her 5-year-old season and won the Turf Sprint again. Coming into to defend her title, Mizdirection had won three stakes races early in 2013, but made had not started since finishing fifth in the Just a Game Stakes at Belmont Park in June. On Breeders’ Cup Saturday under Mike Smith, though, she was her old self, coming five wide into the stretch to prevail by a half-length over Renegotzip and Tightendtouchdown, who dead-heated for second. She improved her remarkably consistent career record to 12 wins in 17 starts. Two days later, Mizdirection was sold to Madore International for $2.7 million at the Fasig-Tipton November sale.