The roar of the crowd, the pounding of hooves, the electric tension of the final stretch—Mystik Dan delivered all of that and more when he surged to victory in the 2024 Kentucky Derby. His daring move along the rail, outpacing Sierra Leone and Forever Young in a photo-finish thriller, cemented his place in racing lore. But the journey since that triumphant moment hasn’t been smooth. The son of Goldencents, under the expert guidance of trainer Kenny McPeek, has gone winless in five starts following his Derby triumph.
Yet, hope is far from lost. A gritty runner-up finish to Saudi Crown in the $200,000 Lake Ouachita Stakes at Oaklawn on May 3 showed that Mystik Dan still has the fire to compete at the highest levels. Now, he’s back at Churchill Downs, ready to chase victory in the Blame Stakes and rekindle the magic of his Derby glory.
Horse Racing Champion Mystik Dan marks comeback at 2025 Churchill Downs
The big announcement came from the official Twitter handle of the Kentucky Derby. The tweet said, “2024 Kentucky Derby winner, Mystik Dan is making his return in next Saturday’s G3 Blame Stakes at @ChurchillDowns!”
The Blame Stakes, run at 1 1/8 miles, is more than just a race—it’s the local prep for the Stephen Foster (G1), a $1 million showdown that looms large on the racing calendar. Set as Race 10 at 5:27 p.m. on Stephen Foster Preview Day, the Blame is one of six stakes races lighting up Churchill Downs. The day’s action kicks off at 12:45 p.m. (Eastern) and includes the $275,000 Aristides (G3), Arlington (G3), Regret (G3), Shawnee (G3), and Audubon (Listed). For Mystik Dan, owned by 4 G Racing, Valley View Farm, Lance Gasaway, and Daniel Hamby III, this race is a homecoming. He’ll break from post No. 4, reunited with jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., who guided him to that unforgettable Derby win.
2024 Kentucky Derby winner, Mystik Dan is making his return in next Saturday’s G3 Blame Stakes at @ChurchillDowns! pic.twitter.com/LXzpQCB2gF
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 24, 2025
Mystik Dan’s story is one of resilience. His Kentucky Derby victory was a masterclass in strategy and heart, as he hugged the rail to edge out his rivals. But the past year has tested his mettle. Five races without a win might shake some, but his recent performance at Oaklawn tells a different tale.
Facing off against the Saudi Crown, Mystik Dan battled gamely to secure second place, proving he’s still a force to be reckoned with. For McPeek, a trainer known for coaxing brilliance from his horses, this race is a chance to fine-tune his star colt for bigger challenges ahead. But the Blame Stakes field is no walk in the park.
Blame Stakes features a stacked roster
Among the contenders is Most Wanted, a formidable colt owned by Gary and Mary West. Trained by Brad Cox, Most Wanted recently ran second to Fierceness in the Alysheba (G2) and boasts a win in the Oklahoma Derby (G3) and a runner-up finish in the Clark (G2) as a 3-year-old. He’ll break from post 7 with jockey Florent Geroux in the irons.
The field is stacked with other graded stakes winners, including Calumet Farm’s Tennessee Lamb, Hillwood Stable’s Post Time, Lawrence Roman and David Jacobson’s Banishing, Centennial Farms’ Antiquarian, and a talented group owned by Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg, and Brook T. Smith, named Hall of Fame. Each horse brings its own credentials, making the Blame a true test of Mystik Dan’s comeback bid.
For fans, the allure of Mystik Dan lies in his underdog spirit. His Derby win wasn’t just a victory—it was a moment that captured the essence of horse racing: the thrill of a horse defying the odds, guided by a trainer and jockey who believed in him. Now, as he steps back onto the Churchill Downs dirt, the stage is set for another chapter. Can he rediscover the spark that made him a champion? The Blame Stakes will offer clues, not just about his form but about his readiness for the Stephen Foster and beyond.
Stephen Foster Preview Day is a celebration of racing’s finest, and Mystik Dan is at the heart of it. As the gates open and the field charges forward, all eyes will be on the colt who once owned this track. Win or lose, his journey is a reminder of why we love this sport—the heart, the grit, and the hope of a champion’s return.
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