Mystik Dan, the 2024 Kentucky Derby winner, is preparing for the prestigious Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park. Retired jockey Robby Albarado, who knows the horse very well, has high expectations for him in this big race. Albarado, who worked as an exercise rider for trainer Kenny McPeek, believes Mystik Dan has the potential to win the $3 million event. Here’s a look at why Albarado is so confident about Mystik Dan’s performance.
Robby Albarado’s Confidence in Mystik Dan
Robby Albarado is a well-known jockey who had a successful 31-year career, winning over 5,000 races, including 39 Grade 1 victories. Although he retired from racing in December 2021, Albarado is still deeply involved in the horse racing world. He now works as an exercise rider for trainer Kenny McPeek and rides Mystik Dan regularly in training.
Albarado’s connection with Mystik Dan is strong, and he has been impressed with the colt’s progress. He said, “He’s doing really well, and he could win,” adding that he isn’t just hoping Mystik Dan will perform well, but he expects the horse to win the race.
Mystik Dan’s Career So Far
Mystik Dan gained attention after winning the 2024 Kentucky Derby by a nose, surprising many at 18-1 odds. He went on to finish second in the Preakness Stakes but struggled in the Belmont Stakes, where he finished eighth. After the Belmont, trainer Kenny McPeek decided to give Mystik Dan some time off to rest and recover.
The colt returned to racing in the Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita Park in late December 2024. However, the long journey from New Orleans to California seemed to affect his performance, and he finished last in the six-horse field. Despite that setback, Albarado remains positive and believes Mystik Dan is in a better shape for the upcoming Pegasus World Cup.
Strong Preparation for the Pegasus World Cup
Albarado feels that Mystik Dan has improved since his last race. He explained that the horse is not very big, so any extra effort can take a toll on him. However, Albarado is excited about how well Mystik Dan has been training for the Pegasus World Cup. “He’s had two really good works, which shows you he likes the track,” Albarado said. He added that one of the training sessions was “one of the best he’s ever gone.”
Mystik Dan has been impressing with his speed, posting two fast workout times at Gulfstream Park. In one session, he covered five furlongs in 59.48 seconds, and in another, he finished in 59.95 seconds. These strong performances indicate that Mystik Dan is in top form and ready to face older, more experienced horses in the Pegasus World Cup.
Mystik Dan’s Potential for Success
Albarado has been watching Mystik Dan grow and develop since he joined McPeek’s barn two years ago. He’s particularly impressed with the colt’s professional attitude and versatility. “He does whatever you want him to do. Faster. Slower. He’s got gears to him,” said Albarado. He compared Mystik Dan’s agility to a running back in football, noting that the colt can make quick moves and navigate through tight spots, like he did during the Derby.
With Albarado’s high praise and the colt’s strong training, it’s clear that Mystik Dan is ready for a big performance in the Pegasus World Cup. Albarado’s excitement is shared by many, and the horse’s potential makes him a strong contender for the race.
Robby Albarado’s confidence in Mystik Dan speaks volumes about the colt’s potential. With impressive workouts and a strong attitude, Mystik Dan seems ready to take on the challenge of the Pegasus World Cup. His journey from Kentucky Derby winner to the world-class event at Gulfstream Park has been exciting, and all eyes will be on him this weekend to see if he can deliver another victory. Whether or not Mystik Dan wins, one thing is certain: he’s a horse to watch in the future of racing.
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