G1 Kentucky Derby-winner Mystik Dan gallops over Saratoga main track
At 0h23, on June 5, 2024 • By SARATOGA
Four G Racing, Lance Gasaway, Daniel Hamby, III and Valley View Farm’s Grade 1 Kentucky Derby-winner Mystik Dan stretched his legs over Saratoga Race Course’s main track Tuesday in preparation for the Grade 1, $2 million Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets on Saturday at the Spa.
Trainer Kenny McPeek noted the son of Goldencents appeared to enjoy his trip around the famed oval.
“It was good,” said McPeek. “Easy-peasy. Got him a little spin over there, and we might take him back over there Thursday. We’ll see. He’s doing good. Some people came by and spoiled him with some peppermints. He’s happy.
Mystik Dan enters the 10-furlong Belmont Stakes off a valiant runner-up effort to returning rival Seize the Grey in the 1 3/16-mile Grade 1 Preakness on May 18. The effort came two weeks after a dramatic victory in the Kentucky Derby where he rode the rail near the quarter-pole to take the lead. He responded well to urging from returning pilot Brian Hernandez, Jr. in the lane, and reached the wire a nose better than Sierra Leone, who outdueled the game Group 2 UAE Derby-winner Forever Young to earn place honors by a nose in a three-way photo.
Mystik Dan emerged from post 3 in the Derby and will exit the same post again in the Belmont Stakes. McPeek said he has full confidence in Hernandez, Jr., who also piloted Thorpedo Anna to victory in the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks one day before the Derby.
