Derby winner Mystik Dan doesn’t need his own racetrack
At 0h07, on May 15, 2024 • By PREAKNESS STAKES
Kentucky Derby (G1)winner Mystik Dan continues to train to former standout jockey Robby Albarado’s expectations, meaning each day is better than the last as the colt prepares for Saturday’s 149th Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course.
With Albarado aboard, Mystik Dan jogged about seven-eighths of a mile and galloped a spirited 1 ½ miles Tuesday morning, his second day of training at Pimlico.
“I let him clip along today, and he’s not even blowing,” Albarado said afterward. “I thought every day would be a better day for him. He’s getting comfortable with his surroundings. He knows where he’s at now. I couldn’t be more pleased with the way he trained today. Every day I let him do what he feels like doing. I don’t let him overdo it. I try not to make him do anything. He’s all within himself.”
Albarado teamed with trainer Kenny McPeek to win the COVID-delayed 2020 Preakness with the filly Swiss Skydiver over Derby champion Authentic. Albarado, who was not riding a lot of races at the time, spent much of the week in Baltimore with Swiss Skydiver, serving as her exercise rider before riding her to his second Preakness victory, following two-time Horse of the Year Curlin in 2007.
