Mystik Dan, winner of the Kentucky Derby, is set to race in the Preakness Stakes on May 18 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Despite the quick turnaround between races, trainer Kenny McPeek is confident in Mystik Dan’s abilities, stating that “All systems go” for the upcoming race.
Joining Mystik Dan at the Preakness will be Just Steel, the 17th-place finisher from the Kentucky Derby. However, other Derby competitors, including second-place finisher Sierra Leone, will not be participating in the race. Jockey Tyler Gaffalione, who rode Sierra Leone, will be jockeying for Tuscan Gold in the Preakness.
McPeek, who last won the Preakness in 2020 with Swiss Skydiver, is hopeful for another victory with Mystik Dan. The horse is currently listed with 3-1 odds to win, while Just Steel has odds of 10-1. The favorite for the race is Mutago, with odds of 33-1.
The Preakness Stakes is part of the Triple Crown series, which also includes the Belmont Stakes on June 8. The last Triple Crown winner was Justify in 2018. The Kentucky Derby, the first event of the Triple Crown, celebrated its 150th running last Saturday. The iconic event has been held since 1875.
