Gainesway sales graduate Practical Joke overcame an awkward start in the Oct. 8 Champagne Stakes (G1) to run down front-running favorite Syndergaard in the final strides at Belmont Park. Practical Joke completed the mile in 1:34.68.
A 2-year-old son of Into Mischief, Practical Joke is trained by Chad Brown for Klaravich Stables and William H. Lawrence, and was ridden by Joel Rosario. Practical Joke entered the Champagne off a victory in the Sept. 5 Hopeful Stakes (G1) at Saratoga.
Gainesway partnered with George Bolton to pinhook Practical Joke for $135,000 at the 2015 Keeneland January sale. Offered later that year from Gainesway’s Keeneland September consignment, the colt sold for $240,000 to Aquinnah Ventures.
Practical Joke joins Creator, Hawkbill, Klimt, and Pretty City Dancer as Gainesway sales graduates to win Grade/Group 1 races in 2016.
