First Mission stalks early, draws away late in Oaklawn Handicap

First Mission, in near perfect stalking position behind dueling leaders early, surged to the front at the top of the stretch and pulled away to a two-length victory Saturday in the Grade 2, $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap (G2) for older horses.

Giving jockey Flavian Prat his third win of the day and his second in a stakes race, First Mission completed the 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.09, the fastest clocking for the distance of the current Oaklawn season that dates to Dec. 6. The Godolphin homebred trained by Brad Cox collected his sixth win from 12 career starts and the $693,750 he earned improved his career bankroll to $2,060,170.

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Going off as the 7-5 favorite in the eight-horse field, First Mission returned $2 mutuels of $4.80, $3.00 and $2.20.

Banishing took a brief lead at the eighth pole after tracking the early pace set by 2024 winner Skippylongstocking and 83-1 long shot Go West Go. He had enough to hold on for second in a game effort and paid $7.20 and $2.80.

Skippylongstocking tracked Go West Go through an opening quarter-mile in 22.83 seconds and took a narrow lead after the opening half-mile in 46.67 seconds. He held on for third, finishing one length in front of fourth-place finisher Disarm.

Razorback Handicap (G3) victor Alexander Helios, Essex Handicap (G3) winner Red Route One, Tarantino and Go West Go completed the finish in that order.