2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mystik Dan put in his final work for the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1) Jan. 18 with a five-furlong breeze in :59.95 at Gulfstream Park. Former jockey and regular exercise rider Robby Albarado was aboard for the work.
Trainer Ken McPeek said it was just what he was looking for from the 4-year-old son of Goldencents .
“What I’d call a happy five-eighths,” he said. “It was just a maintenance breeze. I didn’t have a horse I really felt good about him being in company with, and I don’t think he needed the company. But he took a deep breath coming out of the work and that’s what he needed.
“I like the time, he did it well within himself, so, yeah, I think it sets us up pretty good. As long as he has a good next few days, week, we plan on running.”
Mystik Dan is coming off a sixth-place effort in the Malibu Stakes (G1) Dec. 26 at Santa Anita Park, his first start since finishing eighth in the June 8 Belmont Stakes (G1).
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Other Pegasus contenders breezing Saturday morning include 2024 Cigar Mile Handicap (G2) victor Locked and Crupi at Palm Beach Downs, who worked four furlongs in company for trainer Todd Pletcher in 49.33.
Power Squeeze , the only filly in the Pegasus, worked four furlongs at Gulfstream in :49.88 while in California, grade 1 winner Stronghold worked five furlongs in 1:02 3/5 at Santa Anita Park.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
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