Mystik Dan Arrives at Saratoga Race Course
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Photo: Skip Dickstein
Mystik Dan settles into his barn at the Oklahoma Training Center at Saratoga Race Course after arriving May 20
Kentucky Derby (G1) winner and Preakness Stakes (G1) runner-up Mystik Dan arrived at Saratoga Race Course May 20 for a possible start in the Belmont Stakes (G1).
Trainer Kenny McPeek said Saturday that Mystik Dan came out of the Preakness in good order. As he did after the Kentucky Derby ahead of the Preakness, McPeek said he would take some time before deciding if he would move Mystik Dan forward to the $2 million Belmont. The final leg of the Triple Crown will be run at 1 1/4 miles due to the configuration of the Saratoga racetrack.
"Mystik Dan arrived in good order," McPeek said on Monday evening through social media. "We will not be making any decisions any time soon. Myself and the team will have some time around him, then we will discuss with the owners about a plan for his summer and fall races."
Earlier this year, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's executive budget included a proposal for NYRA to build new Thoroughbred racing facilities at Belmont Park, and the enacted budget granted that approval. This project will upgrade the 119-year-old track, bringing the modern hospitality offerings fans expect while generating $1 billion in construction-related impacts, 3,700 construction jobs, $155 million in annual economic activity, and 740 new full-time jobs.