As the 2024 Belmont Stakes approaches, the anticipation is palpable, especially with the emergence of an exceptional contender—Mystik Dan. This thoroughbred has captivated the racing community with his remarkable speed, stamina, and tenacity.
Mystik Dan’s journey to the Belmont Stakes has been spectacular. He has earned victories and set records, making him a horse to watch. Below, we’ll delve deeper into Mystik Dan’s origins, training regimen, and the dedicated team behind his success, revealing why this equine athlete could very well secure a place in racing history.
Mystik Dan’s Career Highlights
Mystik Dan’s racing career is a tale of relentless determination, unparalleled spirit, and extraordinary achievement. From the moment he set hoof on the racetrack, it was evident that this majestic horse possessed a rare blend of speed, stamina, and intelligence.
Since he began his horse racing career, Mystik Dan has impressed seasoned racing enthusiasts and captivated the hearts of many with his unwavering performances and remarkable victories. Join us as we delve into the story of Mystik Dan’s journey, exploring the milestones, challenges, and triumphs defining his illustrious career on the racetrack.
His first professional victory was in the Sloppy Southwest Stakes. McPeek and his owners had plenty to rejoice about on a rainy Saturday at Oaklawn Park, highlighted by Mystik Dan’s stellar performance.
With Hernandez carefully positioning the colt in sixth place at the beginning, Mystik Dan advanced to fourth during the second turn. In the stretch, he showcased an impressive burst of speed inside, finishing eight lengths ahead of Just Steel. He completed the 1 1/16-mile course in 1:43.67.
His second victory was the 2024 Kentucky Derby. Mystik Dan is emerging from one of the most unforgettable conclusions in Kentucky Derby history. Three horses, Sierra Leone and Forever Young, finished almost neck and neck. Following a thorough review, it was announced that Mystik Dan secured the victory by the smallest of margins.
After his unforgettable Kentucky Derby victory, Mystik Dan qualified for the Preakness Stakes, where he finished second. With the Preakness Stakes result, there will be no anticipated winner of the Triple Crown this year.
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Pedigree
Mystik Dan’s sire, Goldencents, and his maternal grandsire, Colonel John, were both victorious in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) but did not place in the Kentucky Derby (G1) during their respective racing years.
Goldencents distinguished himself as a notable juvenile, winning the 2012 Delta Downs Jackpot (G3) and finishing second in the Champagne (G1). He secured his Derby spot at Santa Anita, where Doug O’Neill trained him to victories in both the Sham (G3) and Santa Anita Derby.
However, Goldencents could not sustain the fast pace in the Kentucky Derby, finishing 17th. He performed better in the Preakness (G1), finishing fifth, but his stamina issues indicated a need for shorter races.
He ultimately became a two-time Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) winner, earning over $3 million. Additionally, after placing second in the 2013 Pat O’Brien (G2) at Del Mar in record time, he claimed victory in the same race the following year with a new track record.
Goldencents also secured second place in the 2014 Metropolitan H. (G1) and narrowly missed winning two consecutive runnings of both the Bing Crosby (G1) and the Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G1).
Mystik Dan’s dam, Ma’am, was initially trained by McPeek for 17 of her 23 races. She competed
in upper-level claiming and allowance races. Her maiden victory came in a front-running style at Oaklawn in 2016, and she later secured a last-to-first win on the turf at Ellis Park in 2017.
After changing trainers, Ma’am won two more races, one on a fast track at Churchill and another in muddy conditions at Oaklawn, hinting at Mystik Dan’s preference for racing in the mud at Hot Springs.
Mystik Dan Trainer
Kenneth G. McPeek is recognized as one of the premier Thoroughbred trainers globally. He currently ranks among the Top 10 Trainers by Earnings for 2023. Notable runners under his guidance, surpassing $1,000,000 in earnings, include Smile Happy, Rattle N Roll, Crazy Beautiful, Tiz the Bomb, and Classic Causeway.
McPeek has won 256 stakes races by July 11, 2023, 107 of which were graded stakes. His Preakness Stakes victory in 2020 with the filly Swiss Skydiver, who went on to win the 2020 Eclipse Award Champion 3-Year-Old Filly and rank as the fifth highest-earning Thoroughbred of that year, was a noteworthy accomplishment for him.
Additionally, McPeek clinched the Belmont Stakes in 2002 with Sarava. Over the years, he has trained and purchased numerous horses as yearlings that went on to earn well over $1,000,000 during their careers, including Harlan’s Holiday ($3,632,664), Take Charge Lady ($2,480,377), Swiss Skydiver ($2,126,480), and Noble’s Promise ($1,193,376), among others.
McPeek is also esteemed as a top Bloodstock agent, known for identifying talent and value at yearling sales across the United States, Europe, and South America.
His notable yearling purchases include Curlin, who earned $10,501,800 and is the 3rd All-time Leading Earner in North America with multiple prestigious wins. Einstein (BRZ), a multiple Grade 1 winner with career earnings of $2,945,238.
Conclusion
As the 2024 Belmont Stakes approaches, all eyes will be on Mystik Dan. He is a strong contender for victory with his exceptional pedigree, strategic racing style, and impressive achievements. Whether you’re a seasoned horse racing enthusiast or new to the sport, you won’t want to miss Mystik Dan’s journey to the Belmont Stakes. Keep an eye on this remarkable horse as he bids for history.
