Mystic Guide realizes potential in Jim Dandy with addition of blinkers

Mystic Guide has been a bit of a 'wise-guy' 3-year-old since his smashing maiden win at Fair Grounds on March 21st. He was bet heavily in his next two starts, including the Peter Pan (G3) at Saratoga most recently but was left with too much to do in the late going and failed to make a significant dent in either race.

Trainer Michael Stidham added blinkers following his colt's third-place effort in the Peter Pan and the equipment change paid quick dividends in Saturday's Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga.

"It did exactly what I was hoping, Stidham said. "I know he was last down the backside, but he was definitely there when Jose called on him today whereas the last time he was too late and had no chance. Today he was there when Jose called on him."

Mystic Guide and jockey Jose Ortiz were last early as First Line and Celtic Striker dueled on the front-end going :47.61 for the opening half mile in the 1 1/8-miles Jim Dandy. Oritz then quickly maneuvered his mount into contention and found himself just a couple of lengths back turning for home.

As the pacesetters faded, third-choice Jesus' Team took over, but was quickly met by the challenge of Mystic Guide, who had tipped out and found racing room. Liveyourbeastlife, a 14-1 shot, flew home late to grab 2nd.

Jesus' Team faded to 3rd, while Dr Post, the 3/5 favorite who ducked the Kentucky Derby for this spot, spun his wheels throughout and never looked like a threat while finishing 4th.

A 3-year-old son of Ghostzapper out multiple Grade 1 winner Music Note, Mystic Guide paid $6.60. He finished the trip in 1:49.00.

While Stidham likely held dreams of reaching the Kentucky Derby winner's circle on Sept. 5 with his top colt, the Jim Dandy is a nice consolation prize for the Godolphin homebred. 

The $1 million Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on Oct. 3 could be next for Mystic Guide, who improved to 5: 2-1-2 lifetime with the win.

"It certainly is a race that we'll look at, Stidham said. "If our horse comes out of the race really well and we like the way he trains in the next couple of weeks, the Preakness would certainly be on the table no matter what happens today [in the Kentucky Derby]."