Horse racing Derby winner Mystik Dan sit Preakness Stakes

Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan's trainer is undecided on running him in the Preakness Stakes, creating suspense for the upcoming race.

The upcoming Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the U.S. thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown, may not feature Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan. Trainer Kenny McPeek revealed that a decision on whether to run Mystik Dan in the Preakness Stakes will be made last minute.

During a conversation with Pimlico Race Course officials, McPeek accepted the invitation to run Mystik Dan in the May 18 Preakness Stakes but emphasized that it was not a definite commitment. Reflecting on past experiences, McPeek expressed caution about running the colt too soon after a race, as it had not gone well in the past.

"We're not committing," McPeek stated. "We'll watch him over the next week and probably decide then. It will be a last-minute decision. We'll let him tell us."

Mystik Dan, ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., surprised everyone with an 18-1 upset victory in the 1-1/4 mile Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The colt finished just ahead of Sierra Leone and Forever Young.

Sierra Leone's trainer, Chad Brown, announced that the horse will not be running in the Preakness Stakes. Instead, Sierra Leone will be taken to Saratoga Race Course in upstate New York to prepare for the Belmont Stakes on June 8.

Reflecting on Sierra Leone's condition, Brown mentioned, "He's a little tired. I think giving him the five weeks to the Belmont is definitely the right thing to do."

Meanwhile, Japanese-bred colt Forever Young is scheduled to return to Japan, potentially leaving the Preakness without the top three finishers from the Kentucky Derby. The uncertainty surrounding Mystik Dan's participation adds an element of intrigue to the upcoming race.

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