Mystik Dan Wins Blame to End 5-Race Losing Streak

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    LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Mystik Dan broke free from a string of five losses with a triumphant 1 1/4-length win in the $270,000 Blame Stakes held at Churchill Downs on Saturday. The victory echoes his remarkable performance in the 2024 Kentucky Derby, where he clinched the title in a nail-biting finish.

    Mystik Dan earned the Derby victory by a nose, marking the narrowest three-horse photo finish since 1947. However, following this high point, his subsequent races were less successful. He placed second in the Preakness, struggled to eighth in the Belmont at Saratoga, and lagged to ninth in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational.

    “We probably bit off more than we could chew by running him in all those post-Triple Crown races,” trainer Ken McPeek admitted. “Now, we have him back to form and performing like we know he can.”

    In a familiar fashion, Mystik Dan found his stride by racing off the early pace along the inside rail, strategically cutting the corner at the top of the stretch, and surging forward for a decisive win under jockey Brian Hernandez Jr.

    “When everything clicks for Mystik Dan, he’s a joy to ride because he makes my job look easy,” Hernandez shared.

    Mystik Dan recorded a time of 1:48.45 over the 1 1/8 miles distance, setting a new stakes record. The horse was not heavily backed, going off as the third choice at 3-1 and rewarding bettors with $8.12 for a win.

    Antiquarian came in second place, while the 2-1 favorite, Post Time, finished third. This victory contributed $166,710 to Mystik Dan’s burgeoning career earnings, bringing his total to an impressive $4,417,570.