Belmont Stakes 2024: Kentucky Derby Winner Mystik Dan’s Odds Favorable as Trainer Kevin McPeek Looking to Bag $2 Million

The 2024 Belmont Stakes, a highly anticipated event in the world of horse racing, is just around the corner. The spotlights are on Mystik Dan, the winner of the Kentucky Derby, as preparations get more serious. Trainer Kevin McPeek is making news with his calculated choices as he carefully considers his possibilities for the $2 million race at Saratoga.

A much-awaited rematch has been set up by Mystik Dan’s outstanding performance in the Kentucky Derby, where the American Thoroughbred racehorse overcame Sierra Leone by a tiny margin. Jockeyed by Brian Hernandez Jr., Mystik Dan defeated Sierra Leone and Forever Young to win the 2024 Kentucky Derby in a time of 2:03.34. The stakes are elevated, and McPeek’s next actions could be crucial, as the Belmont Stakes arrives in just eight days.

McPeek talked about his intentions regarding his champion equine’s involvement in the Belmont Stakes on a nationwide conference call. “We’re going to get our horse ready and assuming everything goes right over the next few days, through the weekend, we’re looking forward to being part of it,” he remarked. This measured optimism reflects the trainer’s thorough planning to make sure Mystik Dan is ready for the race.

Furthermore, Mystik Dan has an extraordinary route. He trailed Seize the Grey by 2 1/4 lengths in the Preakness after his stunning achievement in the Kentucky Derby. This opens up an interesting encounter that might see the first meeting of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winners since 2013 at the Belmont Stakes. However, Mystik Dan’s preparedness was underlined by McPeek, noting, “He’s a horse that we want to pay close attention to. He’s a little tricky in that he’s a quiet type, and we don’t want to miss anything.”

Moreover, if Mystik Dan is deemed unfit to race, McPeek is also thinking of fielding Kentucky Oaks winner Thorpedo Anna. This adaptability highlights his dedication to producing a competitive entry while maintaining his horses’ good health. On June 7 at Saratoga, Thorpedo Anna would compete in the Grade 1, $500,000 Acorn, if she didn’t run in the Belmont.

Ahead Belmont Stakes Kevin McPeek’s strategies considering rivals

McPeek follows an intense training schedule for Mystik Dan. He intends to work Saratoga’s Oklahoma training track alongside both Mystik Dan and Thorpedo Anna. “We want to run, we do, we just got to make sure that all boxes are checked, t’s are crossed and i’s are dotted,” McPeek added. The purpose of this meticulous planning is to guarantee that both horses are ready for their respective competitions.

Saratoga was selected strategically to serve as the training base. McPeek favors the Belmont Stakes owing to its reputation and efficiency over other races, like the Grade 1 Haskell at Monmouth Park, which necessitates shipping. Referring to his prior victory with Sarava in the 2002 Belmont Stakes, McPeek commented, “The Belmont actually seems to be a little more attractive because I don’t have to ship, it is Grade 1, obviously the prestige is a no-brainer.” On Saturday morning, McPeek intends to work Mystik Dan and Thorpedo Anna over the Oklahoma training track at Saratoga.

However, the odds are favoring Sierra Leone, according to a CBS Sports update. Entering Saratoga Race Course as the Kentucky Derby runner-up is the horse coached by Chad Brown. The horse also has some other advantages. With the 2024 Belmont Stakes in mind, Sierra Leone rested following the Kentucky Derby. In the meantime, jockey Tyler Gaffalione has already proven to be a thoughtful competitor in the Kentucky Derby.

Ultimately, during the racing season, the Belmont Stakes is a key event. After winning the Kentucky Derby, it’s a chance for Mystik Dan to bolster the reputation. Top candidates like Sierra Leone and Seize the Grey are also in the mix, so the rivalry will be strong.