Belmont Stakes 2024: McPeek Will Run Mystik Dan
Trainer Kenny McPeek has decided to run Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan in the $2 million Belmont Stakes on June 8 at Saratoga. Mystik Dan will face off against Preakness winner Seize the Grey, marking the first meeting of Derby and Preakness winners since 2013. Sierra Leone will also be in the field, who has been one of the best horses this year and narrowly lost out to Mystik Dan in the Kentucky Derby by a nose.
McPeek Leaning Toward Running Mystik Dan
Trainer Kenny McPeek is cautiously optimistic about entering Kentucky Derby champion Mystik Dan at the prestigious $2 million Belmont Stakes on June 8 at Saratoga. During a national conference call last week, McPeek mentioned that the final decision hinged on Mystik Dan’s performance and recovery from a key workout session over the weekend.
“We’re going to get our horse ready, and assuming everything goes right over the next few days, through the weekend, we’re looking forward to being part of it,” McPeek stated. He expressed confidence about the weekend’s preparations but underlined the importance of meticulous attention to the horse’s condition. Mystik Dan is a unique character in McPeek’s stable. “He’s a little tricky in that he’s a quiet type, and we don’t want to miss anything,” the trainer noted, signaling his awareness of the horse’s nuances.
Mystik Dan did everything McPeek was looking for, and as a result, he was entered in this week’s Belmont Stakes. He’ll face a significant challenge in the form of Preakness winner Seize the Grey, setting the stage for the first encounter between the Derby and Preakness titlists since Orb and Oxbow in 2013. Additionally, Sierra Leone will be in the field along with Mindframe, both of whom lead the field as the favorites going into the weekend.
Fans and analysts alike keenly await the outcome, with high hopes for an exciting race when both top contenders meet on the track. For those looking to add an extra layer of excitement, it’s a great opportunity to bet on 2024 Belmont Stakes online.
Mystik Dan’s Road to the Belmont Stakes
Mystik Dan’s journey to the Belmont Stakes has been an exhilarating saga, capturing the attention of racing enthusiasts and analysts nationwide. His Kentucky Derby victory, achieved by a nose over Sierra Lone, demonstrated not just his speed but also his indomitable spirit. Sierra Leon’e sentry into the Belmont adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming race as he figures to be the favorite come post-time.
In the Preakness, Mystik Dan finished a respectable second, trailing 2-1/4 lengths behind the formidable Seize the Grey. McPeek expressed his preference for the Belmont due to logistical reasons—remaining at Saratoga eliminates the need for shipping Mystik Dan to other races, like the Grade 1 Haskell on July 20 at Monmouth Park. McPeek sees this as a strategic advantage, allowing them to stay focused and conserve the horse’s energy for the Grade 1 Travers Stakes on August 24, also at Saratoga, and possibly the Pennsylvania Derby before setting sights on the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Both Mystik Dan and Thorpedo Anna were on a significant workout on Saturday morning over Saratoga’s Oklahoma training track. The two horses trained in conjunction, though not directly against each other, reflecting McPeek’s meticulous approach to their conditioning.
“We want to run, we do; we just got to make sure that all boxes are checked, t’s are crossed, and i’s are dotted,” McPeek remarked, underscoring the importance of thorough readiness.
The anticipation builds as the racing world watches McPeek’s next moves, hoping to see Mystik Dan strive for glory in the prestigious Belmont Stakes.