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Slip Mahoney, the runner-up in the $300,000 Gotham (G3) in March and $250,000 St. Louis Derby four weeks ago, collected his first stakes victory in Saturday night's third running of the $300,000 Bourbon Trail for 3-year-olds at Churchill Downs when he collared Big Data inside the final 50 yards to win by a neck.

Trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Gerardo Corrales, Slip Mahoney covered the 1 3/16 miles on a fast track in 1:56.66.

Manciata d'Oro and Oscar Eclipse set the pace in the marathon for six 3-year-olds through fractions of :23.63, :48.04 and 1:12.63 as Big Data tracked in the clear from the outside and Slip Mahoney tucked into a ground-saving trip along the rail in fourth. Into the final turn, Big Data was the first to move and left the bend in front of Oscar Eclipse, but Slip Mahoney tipped out at the top of the stretch and continue to wear down those two throughout the stretch with a three-wide determined move.

“He kept fighting hard the entire stretch,” Corrales said. “I'm very proud of him.”

The victory was worth $183,450 for owner Al Gold's Gold Square LLC and increased Slip Mahoney's earnings to $450,300 with a record of 3-3-0 in nine starts.

“We're really proud of his effort tonight,” said Trace Messina, assistant to Cox. “He really fought hard the entire way down the lane and Gerardo really timed it well tonight. We knew a couple of horses may show some tactical speed in this race. It worked out well for us with this horse's style.”

Slip Mahoney is a Kentucky-bred son of Arrogate out of the A.P. Indy mare Got Lucky and was bred by Hill 'N' Dale Equine Holdings Inc. and Philip J. Steinberg.

Slip Mahoney returned $6.76, $3.78 and $2.48 as the 2-1 favorite. Big Data, under Emisael Jaramillo at odds of 5-2, returned $3.94 and $2.62. Oscar Eclipse, with Cristian Torres up, was another 3 ¼ lengths back in third and paid $2.62 to show at 2-1.

It was another 3 ½ lengths back to Denington, who was followed in order by Manciata d'Oro and Shirl's Bee. Lincoln Highway was scratched.

The Bourbon Trail honors the profound history and proud tradition of “America's Official Native Spirit” when the Kentucky Distillers' Association (KDA) established the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in 1999, a road trip-style experience for bourbon lovers to visit the Bluegrass State's signature distilleries.

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Everso Mischievous, the even-money favorite, tracked pacesetter Bouncer in the early stages of the sprint before he grabbed the lead at the head of the stretch and rolled home to a 3 ¼-length score over Bourbon Bash in Saturday night's third running of the $300,000 Harrods Creek for 3-year-olds at Churchill Downs.

Everso Mischievous, a son of Into Mischief, clocked seven furlongs over a fast track in 1:22.15 under Cristian Torres, who rode the winner for trainer Brad Cox and owner Qatar Racing LLC.

The winner's share of $183,450 increased Everso Mischievous' earnings to $359,640 with a record of 3-2-0 in five starts.

“Cristian gave him a great ride tonight,” said Cox's assistant Trace Messina. “He has some natural early speed but does well with a target. He got a perfect trip tonight.”

Bouncer broke fastest from post No. 4 in the field of six sophomores but Everso Mischievous quickly ranged up to Bouncer's right hip as they rattled off early fractions of :22.79 and :45.31. For a moment, it looked as if Bourbon Bash would mount a challenge after tracking the duo from the rail but Everso Mischievous was much the best once he took over off the turn and drew off down the lane for the comfortable win.

“This was the first time I was aboard him but I watched all his races,” Torres said. “Last time they put blinkers on him and it helped him be more forward. Every time he ran he had a target. If he gets in front too early he gets a little lazy. I had a lot of horse beneath me down the lane but I had to stay after him. He responded the entire time.”

Everso Mischievous, who collected his first stakes victory in his stakes debut, returned $4.38, $2.98 and $2.10. Bourbon Bash, under Jaime Torres, paid $9.34 and $4.84 at odds of 11-1. It was another 2 ¾ lengths back to Loyal Company in third, who returned $2.80 to show under Declan Cannon at 5-Determinedly, Bouncer and Mount Up completed the running order. Praetorian Guard was scratched.

Everso Mischievous is out of the Medaglia d'Oro mare Ever So Clever and was bred in Kentucky by Clearsky Farms.

The race honors the neighborhood of Louisville centered near Harrods Creek at the intersection of River Road and Wolf Pen Branch Road. It is roughly bordered by the Ohio River to the west and US 42 to the east. Formerly an unincorporated community, it was designated a neighborhood of Louisville when the city merged with Jefferson County in 2003.

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Keith Johnston and Chris Aulds' Big and Classy lived up to his name and the bettors' expectations Saturday at Gulfstream Park while easily capturing the $65,000 Jackson Bend by 3½ lengths.

Sent to post at 7-10 favoritism, the strapping 4-year-old Florida-bred son of The Big Beast notched his eighth victory in 2023 to move into a tie with Wyoming-based Fayette Warrior for the most wins in North America this year.

“His name says it all,” trainer Bobby Dibona said. “I keep saying that, but his name says everything. He's a gem. He's got a bit heart. He just knows how to do it.”

Big and Classy, the 123-pound highweight in the seven-furlong handicap for 3-year-olds and up, broke well from the gate to sit just off pacesetter Warrior's Pride along the backstretch and far turn before taking the lead on the turn into the homestretch. Avant Glory made a menacing outside bid to his outside entering the stretch, but Big and Classy kicked in and drew off to yet another convincing triumph, giving jockey Leonel Reyes his first of three wins on Saturday's card.

Big and Classy ($3.40) ran seven furlongs in 1:22.56. Avant Glory finished second under Edwin Gonzalez, 2¾ lengths ahead of Zydeceaux and jockey Sonny Leon.

Big and Classy was claimed for $20,000 out of a second straight win in March before winning his next four races for his current connections. He went on to finish second behind Dean Delivers in the July 1 Smile Sprint (G3) before winning an optional claiming allowance and coming up a length short of victory last time out while second in the Edwin T. Broome Memorial Handicap.

Big and Classy is scheduled to run next in the $100,000 Gil Campbell Memorial at a mile for registered Florida-breds Oct. 21 at Gulfstream.

“He has to go a little bit further, but I don't think that's going to be a problem,” Dibona said. “I think this will serve as a big steppingstone.”

Bred by Alex Lieblong and JoAnn Lieblong, Big and Classy was produced by the Master Command mare I'mclassyandsassy.

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