A horse that isn't even racing in this year's Kentucky Derby has a chance to make history Saturday at Churchill Downs.
Into Mischief is the sire of three contenders in the 2026 Run for the Roses: Renegade, Commandment and Potente. If one of those horses wins, Into Mischief will set a record for most Kentucky Derby winners sired with four.
Into Mischief, a 21-year-old stallion at Spendthrift Farm, is currently in a three-way tie for the record as three of his offspring have already won the Derby: Authentic (2020), Mandaloun (2021) and Sovereignty (2025). The other stallions who have sired three Kentucky Derby winners are Bull Lea (1957), Sir Gallahad III (1945), Falsetto (1906) and Virgil (1886).
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Renegade and Commandment are likely Into Mischief's best shots to break the record. Both horses had 5-1 odds a few hours before post time on Saturday, though Renegade drew the unfavorable No. 1 post position. The last horse to win the Kentucky Derby from the rail was Ferdinand in 1986.
Into Mischief's bloodlines are so well-regarded that his stud fee is $250,000, making him the most expensive stallion in North America for 2026.
Although he had a successful racing career with wins in three of his six starts, Into Mischief never ran in the Kentucky Derby. He scratched from the 2008 race due to injury. Now, his offspring are carrying on his legacy at the sport's most famous race.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: These 3 Kentucky Derby horses could help their record-setting father make history
