Mystik Dan returned to Churchill Downs and captured the Lukas Classic with a substitute jockey
- Turf Diario
- Oct 1
- 2 min read
The 2024 Kentucky Derby hero found the perfect opening in the stretch to take the Lukas Classic, with Francisco Arrieta riding in place of the injured Brian Hernandez
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).- Mystik Dan proved once more that Churchill Downs is his home. The 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner returned to the winner’s circle this Saturday in the Lukas Classic (G2-1800 m, dirt, US$500,000), guided with patience and precision by Francisco Arrieta, substituting for the injured Brian Hernandez Jr.
The Goldencents colt, trained by Kenny McPeek, waited his turn along the inside, angled out late, and found a narrow seam between rivals to launch his stretch run. Racing his trademark rail-hugging path, he outfinished Disarm (Gun Runner) in the final strides to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:49.25. Banishing (Ghostzapper) finished 3¾ lengths back in third, while Dubai World Cup (G1) winner Hit Show (Candy Ride) could only manage fourth.
“First, I want to send my best wishes to Brian. He had so much horse in the stretch; it was just a matter of waiting for the hole. When it opened, he responded with all his class,” said Arrieta.
For McPeek, the result brought full satisfaction: “This horse exudes class; he acts like a professional. The Churchill team and Robby Albarado did a fantastic job getting us here. It was an excellent step toward the Breeders’ Cup, and we’ll likely evaluate between the Dirt Mile and the Classic.”
The Lukas Classic marked Mystik Dan’s fourth victory at Churchill Downs, adding to wins in the Southwest Stakes (G3), Blame Stakes (G3), and, of course, the Derby. Now he boasts five wins in 16 starts and nearly US$5 million in earnings, solidifying his position as one of the sport’s top stars.
The win also carried a strong emotional note: the race honors the legendary D. Wayne Lukas, who passed in June, and his widow Laurie Lukas presented the trophy to Mystik Dan’s connections. The image of Mystik Dan celebrating alongside the Lukas family offered a symbolic closing, as if the legacy of Churchill Downs was passing seamlessly from one generation to the next.
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