Citizen Bull, the impressive winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), enters the Road to the 2025 Kentucky Derby as a leading contender. He is one of many promising three-year-olds sired by the acclaimed stallion Into Mischief. This article delves into the rich pedigree of Citizen Bull, exploring notable ancestors and their impact on his racing potential.
Into Mischief has already sired two Kentucky Derby (G1) winners, Authentic (2020) and Mandaloun (2021). A third Derby victory would tie him with the all-time record held by stallions like Virgil, Falsetto, Sir Gallahad III, and Bull Lea. Furthermore, Into Mischief is the paternal grandfather of Mystik Dan, the 2024 Derby winner. Into Mischief himself, a Grade 1 winner, descends from the renowned Northern Dancer sire line through Storm Cat. His sire, Harlan’s Holiday, was a strong performer, finishing seventh in the 2002 Kentucky Derby. Into Mischief’s mother, Leslie’s Lady, is also the dam of Hall of Famer Beholder and multiple millionaire Mendelssohn, earning her the Broodmare of the Year title in 2016.
Citizen Bull’s maternal lineage is equally distinguished. He is out of the unraced mare No Joke, a daughter of the influential sire Distorted Humor.
Maternal Grandfather Distorted Humor’s Legacy
Distorted Humor, by Forty Niner, made a significant impact early in his stud career by siring the 2003 Derby and Preakness champion Funny Cide. Distorted Humor’s influence extended to the Belmont Stakes (G1) through his son Drosselmeyer, who also won the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). Another son, Flower Alley, sire of the 2012 Derby and Preakness winner I’ll Have Another, further solidified Distorted Humor’s reputation. The sire’s legacy is particularly strong through his daughters, who have produced top performers like Arrogate, Golden Sixty, Art Collector, Elate, and Constitution.
Shared Pedigree Crosses with Elite Runners
Citizen Bull shares a specific pedigree cross with celebrated racehorses Life Is Good and Practical Joke. Both are by Into Mischief out of mares by Distorted Humor. Life Is Good achieved significant success, winning major races like the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) and the Pegasus World Cup (G1), retiring with over $4.5 million in earnings. Practical Joke, a gallant fifth in the 2017 Derby, excelled in shorter races, including the Hopeful (G1) and Champagne (G1). His son, Domestic Product, emulated his success by winning the Dwyer (G3) and H. Allen Jerkens Memorial (G1).
A Notable “Aunt” in the Breeders’ Cup
Citizen Bull’s dam, No Joke, is a half-sister to Moonshine Memories. Moonshine Memories had a strong start, winning the Del Mar Debutante (G1) and Chandelier (G1), making her the favorite for the 2017 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), where she ultimately finished seventh. Another half-sibling, Indian Evening, showed promise with two wins from three starts.
Emulating Ancestor Unbridled’s Song
Citizen Bull’s success in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile echoes that of his ancestor, Unbridled’s Song. No Joke, Indian Evening, and Moonshine Memories all trace back to Unenchantedevening, a daughter of the 1995 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile star Unbridled’s Song. Unbridled’s Song, by 1990 Kentucky Derby champion Unbridled, was a formidable competitor, though he finished fifth in the 1996 Derby. Unbridled’s Song became a highly successful sire, responsible for top horses such as Arrogate, Will Take Charge, Midshipman, Forever Unbridled, Liam’s Map, Unbridled Elaine, and Unrivaled Belle. Notably, No Joke’s pedigree is a reverse of Arrogate’s, highlighting the complex interplay of bloodlines.
Shared Female Line with Horse of the Year Champions
Citizen Bull’s maternal grandmother, Unenchantedevening, is a half-sister to the 1997 Horse of the Year, Favorite Trick. Favorite Trick achieved the rare distinction of being voted Horse of the Year as a two-year-old after an undefeated season culminating in a Breeders’ Cup Juvenile victory. The only other juvenile to earn this honor since the inception of the Eclipse Awards was Secretariat. Another prominent descendant of this female line is Tiz the Law, a star of the 2020 Triple Crown trail, winning the Champagne, Florida Derby, Belmont Stakes, and Travers Stakes.
Tracing Back to the Matriarch *Fairy Gold
Delving further into Citizen Bull’s maternal line leads to the important matriarch *Fairy Gold. Her descendants have made a significant impact on Thoroughbred breeding, notably through her son Fair Play, sire of the legendary Man o’ War, and her son Friar Rock, winner of the 1916 Belmont Stakes. *Fairy Gold’s daughter, St. Lucre, became the ancestress of notable European runners, including the two-time Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Corrida.
This rich tapestry of bloodlines underscores Citizen Bull’s strong pedigree, offering exciting potential as he continues his journey on the Road to the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
References
- Kentucky Derby. (n.d.). Citizen Bull. Retrieved from https://www.kentuckyderby.com/horses/citizen-bull
- Brisnet. (n.d.). Into Mischief. Retrieved from https://www.brisnet.com/horse/into-mischief-833135
- TwinSpires. (n.d.). Kentucky Derby. Retrieved from https://www.twinspires.com/kentuckyderby
