Into Mischief's Lead Atop Sires List Facing Stiff Test

It's the last point of call for sires before the Oct. 31-Nov. 1 Breeders' Cup at Del Mar. And while Into Mischief 's reign atop the General Sires List is almost certain to continue for a seventh straight year, the margin of victory might be its narrowest since he first stood atop the list in 2019. What happens at the Breeders' Cup will have a big hand in determining the outcome.

As of Oct. 20, Into Mischief holds an advantage of $6,908,868 in progeny earnings over Not This Time . After Into Mischief topped the rankings by more than $12.3 million last year, a closer race for the top spot is a real tribute to Not This Time and the spectacular year his offspring have had on the track. 

Even if Not This Time does not close the gap but maintains the difference, it would be the second-smallest gap between Into Mischief and his nearest rival since 2019. The next closest would be when Curlin  was $6,974,010 back in 2023.

The World Championships at Del Mar will feature several of Into Mischief's offspring looking to pad their sire's lead. From likely Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old male Sovereignty to standout juvenile Ted Noffey, the six-time leading sire has a lot of talent on display at the Breeders' Cup. That group might include Imagination, Contrary Thinking, American Stage, Bring theband Home, Citizen Bull , and Tommy Jo. 

Meanwhile, Not This Time's assault on the top spot is led by the likes of Rhetorical, Way to Be Marie, Blackout Time, Infinite Sky, Time to Dream, Should've, Schwarzenegger, and Cy Fair. 

When Into Mischief first led the General Sires List by progeny earnings in 2019, he edged Curlin by $3,392,697. Throughout his six-year run as top sire, his average margin of victory was $8.08 million. 

While it likely won't be this year, there is no shame for Not This Time not having his time be now. The list of sires who have been second-best to Into Mischief over the last six years is one that nothing short of elite: Curlin (twice), Gun Runner , Quality Road , Ghostzapper, and New Year's Day.

Elsewhere in the rankings, the last bit of jockeying before the Breeders' Cup saw very little movement. The biggest mover is Omaha Beach , who climbed two places to No. 11. The leading third-crop sire had his children pick up several winners this past weekend, including 3-year-old Kappa Kappa, who triumphed in the Raven Run Stakes (G2) at Keeneland. Mister Omaha also won the Oklahoma Classics Cup Handicap at Remington Park. 

Most of the movement—up or down—happened between Nos. 11 and 18 with all but one stallion changing position from two weeks ago. Overall, 11 sires found a new ranking with all but Omaha Beach seeing a difference of one spot.