Kentucky Oaks winner Pretty Mischievous is aimed at Acorn Stakes

Kentucky Oaks winner Pretty Mischievous is expected to race next in the Grade 1, $500,000 Acorn Stakes next Friday at Belmont Park.

The Daily Racing Form quoted trainer Brendan Walsh as saying the Acorn, lengthened this year from one mile to 1 1/16th mile, should be to the daughter of Into Mischief’s liking. “I think it’s a great spot for her, the one turn 1 1/16 mile looks like it would be something that would set up very well for her,” Walsh told DRF. “We were always kind of keen on if things went well in the Oaks, (the Acorn) was going to be our next spot.”

Walsh told the publication that he intended to breeze Pretty Mischievous on Saturday over the main track at Belmont in her final work before the race for 3-year-old fillies. Bred and owned by Godolphin, Pretty Mischievous has compiled a record of 7: 5-1-1, with two of those victories coming in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs and the Rachel Alexandra (G2) at Fair Grounds.

A field of at least seven and possibly as many as nine is shaping up for the Acorn, with Chad Brown expected to run Accede, Occult, and Randomized, and possibly Shidabhuti.

Todd Pletcher plans to run Frosty O Toole and is also considering running Munny’s Gold, who suffered her first career defeat in the Eight Belles (G2) on May 5 at Churchill Downs, according to DRF.

Others considered likely to be entered on Sunday are Dorth Vader, who was recently transferred to trainer George Weaver, and the Brittany Russell-trained Goodgirl Badhabits.

2023 Acorn G1