Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Hughes

Can Hughes make history as the fourth son of Into Mischief to win the Kentucky Derby (G1)? The talent he’s displayed so far suggests it’s a realistic possibility.

Hughes has compiled a perfect 4-for-4 record for six-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Bob Baffert. He joined the Road to the Kentucky Derby with a decisive six-length victory in the 1 1/16-mile American Pharoah (G1).

Hughes has shown talent in sprints and short routes; in addition to the American Pharoah, he’s won the seven-furlong Del Mar Futurity (G1). But can he shine over 1 1/4 miles like Into Mischief’s previous Derby-winning sons Authentic, Mandaloun, and Sovereignty? Or will he prove best racing 1 1/8 miles or less, like many of Into Mischief’s other accomplished sons and daughters?

Into Mischief is perhaps best known for siring a record-equaling three winners of the Kentucky Derby, but he’s also sired elite sprinters and milers like Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) winners Gamine and Covfefe, Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) heroes Life Is Good and Goldencents, and champion juveniles Citizen Bull and Wonder Wheel.

While exceptions exist, some of Into Mischief’s best runners over classic distances—including Sovereignty, Mandaloun, Kentucky Derby runner-up Renegade, and runaway Dubai World Cup (G1) winner Laurel River—have been produced by daughters of U.S. classic winners. Laurel River and Mandaloun count 1 1/2-mile Belmont (G1) winner Empire Maker as their dam sire. Sovereignty's dam is a daughter of champion and 1 3/16-mile Preakness (G1) winner Bernardini. And Renegade was produced by a daughter of two-time Horse of the Year and Preakness winner Curlin.

This is good news for Hughes, because his dam sire fits the bill.

Hughes’ dam is K P Dreamin. She only won once in eight starts on track, but she managed to place twice at the Grade 1 level when third in the Chandelier (G1) and Starlet (G1), both racing 1 1/16 miles. Hughes is the first stakes winner she’s produced.

The fact K P Dreamin performed best over route distances isn’t surprising since she’s a daughter of Union Rags out of the Point Given mare Litigating. Both Union Rags and Point Given won the Belmont, and Point Given nabbed wins over classic distances in the Preakness and 1 1/4-mile Travers (G1) for good measure.

Union Rags wasn’t purely a classic type; he matured early and showed enough speed at age two to win the one-mile Champagne (G1) and 6 1/2-furlong Saratoga Special (G2). But he’s a respectable source of stamina at stud, with his progeny compiling an average winning distance of 7.3 furlongs. A few of his runners have starred over 1 1/4 miles, including Santa Anita H. (G1) conqueror Express Train, Alabama (G1) heroine Power Squeeze, and Suburban (G2) winner Dynamic One. In addition, his son Patch finished third in the 2017 Belmont.

As a broodmare sire, Union Rags is responsible for some notable route racers. For example, his daughters have foaled Dixie Law, winner of the 1 1/4-mile Wonder Where S., and Rothschild, conqueror of a 1 3/8-mile allowance optional claimer and third in the 1 5/16-mile Nashville Derby (G3).

Point Given likewise proved to be a decent source of stamina at stud. He sired Go Between, winner of the Pacific Classic (G1) and Virginia Derby (G2) over 1 1/4 miles; Coil, conqueror of the 1 1/8-mile Haskell (G1); and Sealy Hill, winner of the Wonder Where and runner-up in the E. P. Taylor (G1) and Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) over 1 1/4 miles.

Notable route racers produced by daughters of Point Given include Arthur’s Ride, winner of the 1 1/8-mile Whitney (G1) and a 1 1/4-mile allowance optional claimer; Cambier Parc, triumphant in the 1 1/8-mile Del Mar Oaks (G3) and third in the 1 1/4-mile Belmont Oaks (G1); and Talk Veuve to Me, winner of the 1 1/16-mile Indiana Oaks (G3).

The cross of Into Mischief with a mare by Union Rags—with a dose of Point Given in the mix as well—should give Hughes a good chance to carry his speed and talent over 1 1/4 miles on the first Saturday in May.