Kentucky Derby Winner Mystik Dan Resumes Breezing

Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mystik Dan resumed breezing Oct. 26, recording a three-furlong workout at Keeneland as he gets started on his workout preparations for a return to racing. Owned by Four G Racing, Lance Gasaway, Daniel Hamby III, and Valley View Farm, Mystik Dan has not raced since finishing eighth in the June 8 Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course. With regular exercise rider and former jockey Robby Albarado in the saddle, Mystik Dan was clocked in :36 1/5. The time was the fastest of 15 at the distance. "This was just his first little leg stretch—nice and easy by himself," trainer Kenny McPeek's assistant Ray Bryner said. "We're going forward, and we will let him tell us when he is ready for us to find a race for him." Before arriving at Keeneland earlier this month, Mystik Dan got some initial training after a summer break at McPeek's Magdalena Farm, about 12 miles northeast of Keeneland. Albarado had been riding Mystik Dan there, and McPeek said he wanted to continue that program. Mystik Dan trained last year at Keeneland, where he made his career debut a year ago, finishing second in a maiden special weight contest. He has compiled a 3-2-1 record in nine starts and a $4,161,360 bankroll, including his runner-up finish in the Preakness Stakes (G1). His connections have suggested the 3-year-old son of Goldencents could return to racing this winter if his training proceeds well.