Mystik Dan is an American Thoroughbred racehorse who achieved racing immortality by winning the 150th Kentucky Derby in 2024 in a thrilling photo finish. Born on March 4, 2021, this bay colt captured one of horse racing’s most prestigious victories at 18-1 odds, edging Sierra Leone by a nose with Forever Young another nose back in third.
Background and Breeding
Mystik Dan was bred in Kentucky by Lance Gasaway and Daniel Hamby, with his unique name derived from combining Hamby’s father’s first name (Dan) with his father’s first business venture, Mystik Tape. The colt is sired by Goldencents, a two-time Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner who stands for $10,000 at Spendthrift Farm, and his dam is Ma’am. Trainer Kenneth McPeek recommended the mating and the colt was foaled at McPeek’s Magdalena Farm near Lexington.
Career Development
Mystik Dan’s early career showed promise but required patience. His first two attempts at navigating two turns were unspectacular, resulting in fifth-place finishes that saw him fade late in November 2023 and January 2024. However, he dramatically improved in his breakout race – the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park on February 3, 2024, where he dominated the field with an impressive eight-length victory.
Running Style
Mystik Dan is classified as a stalker-closer type with excellent tactical speed. His running style has evolved throughout his career, initially showing early speed in his first four starts before improving significantly when switching to stalking tactics.
Key characteristics of his running style include:
- Tactical versatility: He gives jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. multiple options, able to settle closer to moderate paces or drop back if the early pace is swift
- Rail-running ability: In both his Kentucky Derby and Blame Stakes victories, he relaxed off the pace along the inside rail, cut the corner at the top of the stretch, and powered home
- Cruising speed: His ability to maintain a comfortable cruising speed was crucial in the Derby, where despite a fast early pace of :46.63 for the half-mile, “it never felt like we were going that quickly” according to Hernandez
- Closing kick: His running style allows him to make strong late moves, as demonstrated in his signature victories
However, his running style can sometimes create challenges, as trainer Brittany Russell noted: “With his running style, sometimes he gets in trouble”. This tactical approach requires precise timing and positioning, but when executed correctly, makes him “such a fun horse to ride because he makes my job so easy,” according to Hernandez.