Mystik Dan, the victor of the 150th edition of the prestigious Kentucky Derby, is set to continue his quest for the Triple Crown by participating in the upcoming Preakness Stakes, as confirmed by trainer Kenny McPeek. The three-year-old colt's entry into the Preakness Stakes was announced by McPeek Racing just a week before the event, which is scheduled to take place at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 18.
In a statement, McPeek expressed confidence in Mystik Dan's readiness for the Preakness, stating, 'Mystik Dan is in good form and appears poised to compete in the Preakness. After consulting with the owners, we have decided to enter him in the race on May 18th. The colt has had a positive week, and he will be traveling to Baltimore on Sunday.'
Furthermore, McPeek revealed that jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. will be riding Mystik Dan in the Preakness Stakes, acknowledging Hernandez's crucial role in the colt's Kentucky Derby victory. McPeek praised Hernandez, stating, 'He didn't secure the Derby win without Brian's exceptional performance. I am delighted that Brian is receiving the recognition he deserves.'
Mystik Dan's triumph in the Kentucky Derby was a thrilling photo-finish, marking only the 10th time in the history of the event that the race was decided by a nose, the closest margin in horse racing. This victory was the first of its kind since 1996.
McPeek, who previously claimed victory in the Preakness in 2020 with filly Swiss Skydiver, is now aiming to guide Mystik Dan towards Triple Crown glory. The most recent Triple Crown winner was Justify, trained by Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, in 2018.
