Mystik Dan adds to his Churchill legend with Lukas Classic-G2 win, Breeders’ Cup next

Mystik Dan, the 2024 Kentucky Derby hero by Goldencents, added to his legend at Churchill Downs on Sept. 27th with another rail-skimming victory, this time in the $500,000 Lukas Classic-G2 named after the late legendary trainer.

With his regular pilot Brian Hernandez, Jr. sidelined with injury, Mystik Dan’s winning trip under the twin spires has seemed to become muscle memory at this point. He broke extremely sharp under new rider Francisco Arrieta and found himself on top in the early run to the first turn. However, per usual, he allowed others to go and create a target as he settled just behind the leaders down the backside while saving ground in his familiar position. Turning for home, it was evident that Mystik Dan would be making his patented rally after finding the first hole that opened up along the inside – like he always does at Churchill.

Like clockwork, Mystik Dan indeed shot through an opening along the inside and kicked clear from his rivals. The stretch run almost became like watching another sequel to a famous movie series. We all knew how the ending would unfold before it happened. Mystik Dan’s signature move found him in the winner’s circle yet again at his favorite racetrack, after hitting the wire in 1:49.25 over fast conditions in the 1 1/8-mile contest. He earned a 100 Beyer for the performance, which is the same Beyer he earned in winning last year’s Run for the Roses, and one point from his win in the G3 Blame Stakes earlier this year.

Trained by Ken McPeek, the latest victory likely earned Mystik Dan a trip to Del Mar for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile-G1 on Nov. 1. The Lukas Classic was the 4-year-old’s fourth graded stakes triumph, and he moved closer to the $5 million mark with career earnings of $4,819,160 for owners Lance Gasaway, 4G Racing, Daniel Hamby III, and Valley View Farm. He was also bred by Lance Gasaway, Daniel Hamby & 4G Racing.

“He was able to show his turn of foot today. The interesting thing about this horse is that you bring him to the paddock and he never turns a hair. He just exudes class and he’s an old soul,” McPeek said about Mystik Dan’s clear comfortability at Churchill Downs.