Mystik Dan: McPeek, Hernandez like what they see at Churchill

Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan is set to make his return beneath the historic Twin Spires on Saturday at Churchill Downs in the Grade 3, $275,000 Blame Stakes, and trainer Kenny McPeek couldn’t be more pleased with his progression into the race.

“He couldn’t be doing any better going into the race,” McPeek said. “I really like his chances by what he’s shown us in the mornings coming back here at Churchill Downs.”

Mystik Dan, who has yet to find the winner’s circle since his victory in Kentucky Derby 2024, finished second by a nose to Saudi Crown in the Lake Ouachita Stakes this month at Oaklawn. Owned by Lance Gasaway, 4 G Racing, Daniel Hamby III and Valley View Farm, Mystik Dan will be reunited with jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. in the Blame Stakes.

“It’s a good field on Saturday,” Hernandez said. “There are some classy and accomplished horses in the race, but Mystik Dan has trained great going into this race.”

In his most recent work, the Goldencents colt breezed four furlongs Saturday in 47.2 seconds at Churchill Downs, sixth fastest of 126 at the distance.

In recent years, only a handful of Kentucky Derby winners have returned to race at Churchill Downs. Rich Strike, the 2022 winner, finished second in both the Lukas Classic (G2) and Clark (G2) later that year. Mandaloun, elevated to first in the 2021 Derby, ran fourth in the 2022 Stephen Foster (G1). Always Dreaming, the 2017 winner, finished fifth in the 2018 Stephen Foster. Mine That Bird, who won in 2009, came back in 2010 and finished eighth in the Wise Dan (G2), then known as the Firecracker Handicap.

The last Derby winner to win another race at Churchill Downs was Silver Charm, who was victorious in the 1998 Clark.

Run at 1 1/8 miles, the Blame Stakes is the local prep for the $1 million Stephen Foster (G1) on June 28.