Honest Mischief’s Nessuna Pagina stays undefeated in NYSS Spectacular Bid
Nessuna Pagina kept his record squeaky clean Saturday afternoon at Aqueduct.
The 3-year-old Honest Mischief gelding persevered and stayed undefeated in the $150,000 Spectacular Bid division of the New York Stallion Series Stakes going 6 furlongs on the turf.
“He was winning some races at Finger Lakes where the horses came back and won, but the horse always showed talent,” winning trainer Paul Barrow said. “We always liked the horse. We had him in training at Belmont over the winter and then spring came and it was time for us to head back to Finger Lakes, so we just took the path of least resistance with the horse. We said, ‘let’s try and win a couple easy spots with him and see how far he’ll take us.’ It all worked out. The horse bounced out of those races great, no setbacks, and he was doing really well into this race. I’m really glad he ran well.”
Nessuna Pagina sprang to the lead out of the gate, Illmatic dueling briefly before settling into second on the inside. Favored Spirit of New York stalked in third on the outside with Wit Storm in fourth along the rail while Nassuna Pagina led the field through an opening quarter-mile in :21.80.
At the quarter pole, Nessuna Pagina spooked and took an awkward step, losing his momentum. Illmatic and Spirit of New York charged for the lead, with the former gaining a nose advantage on the latter as they rolled down the stretch. Nessuna Pagina was still not to be ignored. Nessuna Pagina rallied in the final furlong, retaking a narrow lead as Illmatic and Spirit of New York fought back, and dug in to score by a nose. Sunday Boy got up for fourth.
The fight wasn’t over yet.
Manny Franco and Jaime Rodriguez, riders of Spirit of New York and Illmatic, respectively, both claimed foul for interference on the turn and late in the stretch. The stewards reviewed the incident for several minutes before ruling that the order of finish would stay.
“Coming from Finger Lakes to here, that made the difference [regarding the incident on the turn,” said winning jockey Kendrick Carmouche. “He was running easy around the turn, but as soon as he got there, he was a little lost. I just had to stay still because he didn’t know what he wanted to do until he saw those horses pass him. Then he went back to his mind and you could feel him. He just took the bit and went on again.”
Barrow praised Carmouche for the ride and determination.
“I was thrilled to see Kendrick persevere on him like that when he spooked at the quarter pole,” he said. “I thought instinct for the rider would be to just take it easy on the horse and get him home safely, but obviously it bugged Kendrick a little bit but he kept riding, kept trying and the horse responded very well. It was a good result for us.”
Nessuna Pagina debuted April 27 at Finger Lakes, going 4 1/2 furlongs on the main track, and bested his five rivals with a 6 1/2-length win. His next start came May 18 in allowance company, going 5 1/2 furlongs on the dirt, where he again dominated. He scored by 3 1/2 lengths, giving his connections the confidence to bring him downstate to Aqueduct not only to try stakes company for the first time, but the turf as well.
The Spectacular Bid victory improved the gelding to 3-for-3 and boosted his bankroll to $117,960.
“He was ready to run here [at Aqueduct in the late winter and early spring] but the first maiden special weight was 7 furlongs and that was a tall tale for him,” said John Kosciak of winning owner Transfiguration Stable. “We decided to get him up to Finger Lakes, get him some experience and some confidence. When this race popped up, Honest Mischief produces turf winners. You never know until they try it, but we thought it was worth the gamble. He earned the right to run in this race.”
Added Barrow “It’s a great program [New York-bred]. The great thing about the program is it gives you a lot of opportunities with the horse to make some money. We love these state-breds.”
Nessuna Pagina’s next start is not set in stone quite yet, with his connections content to enjoy Saturday’s success and allow the gelding to tell them when he’s ready. The $150,000 New York Derby July 13 back home at Finger Lakes is not out of the question.
Bred by Blue Chip Bloodstock, Inc. and foaled at Blue Chip Farms in Wallkill, Nessuna Pagina is the third foal out of the unraced Gemologist mare Brilliantkatherine. A $20,000 buy out of the 2025 OBS March 2-year-old sale, Nessuna Pagina picked up $82,500 for the victory and boosted his bankroll to $117,960.