McPeek: Dirt Mile a ‘Stallion Race’ for Mystik Dan – Video –
Trainer Kenny McPeek recaps Mystik Dan and Blackout Time‘s final works ahead of the Breeders’ Cup, which they recorded Oct. 24 at Churchill Downs.
Mystik Dan, targeting the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1), breezed a half-mile in :48 1/5 with jockey Francisco Arrieta aboard. Arrieta recently replaced injured jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. when the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner won the Sept. 27 Lukas Classic Stakes (G2), and McPeek says he will retain the mount at Del Mar Nov. 1.
Blackout Time’s workout did not begin as planned, leading to a half-mile time in :49 2/5 with jockey Emmanuel Esquivel aboard, but McPeek was pleased with how the son of Not This Time finished up. McPeek hopes a Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) victory would lead to championship honors. Irad Ortiz Jr. will ride at Del Mar.
