Unbridled’s Song was a gallant fifth in the 1996 Kentucky Derby (G1), just a couple of noses from a third-place finish. While victory eluded the Taylor Made stallion, he has a shot at redemption of sorts when his son Mission Impazible goes postward on May 1 in the 136th Run for the Roses.

Mission Impazible, a gray or roan like his sire, is a colt that is somewhat unique for a Derby starter. Few horses break their maiden at first asking in a 4 1/2-furlong sprint, then continue on to be a factor on the Triple Crown trail. Mission Impazible did just that, though, winning at Keeneland at first asking at age two. He ran again during Derby Week in 2009, finishing a troubled third in the Kentucky Juvenile (G3).

After a break to mature physically, he returned in a Gulfstream Park allowance sprint in early January, where he was a fast closing second. Obviously crying out for more distance, his trainer Todd Pletcher sent him to Oaklawn Park for the Southwest S. (G3), where another adventurous race saw him placed third following the disqualification of Cardiff Giant. In what would be his last race prior to coming to Kentucky, Pletcher again shipped his colt. This time it was to Fair Grounds for the Louisiana Derby (G2), where he responded with a rousing three-wide rally to get the 3/4-length victory.

Mission Impazible shipped to Louisville about two weeks ago, and has had one quick five-furlong work in 1:00 1/5 over the Churchill oval. At the post position draw, Mission Impazible was assigned slot 14, the final space in the regular starting gate. He was made 20-1 in the morning line by oddsmaker Mike Battaglia.

Taylor Made consigned Mission Impazible to the 2008 Keeneland September yearling sale, where he was purchased for $200,000 by his current owner Steve Davidson, who races under the name of Twin Creeks Racing Stable.