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Mystik Dan Sets Stakes Record in 2025 Blame Stakes at Churchill Downs
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Mystik Dan, the 2024 Kentucky Derby champion, delivered a commanding performance to win the $275,000 Blame Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Trained by Kenny McPeek and ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., Mystik Dan completed the race in 1:48.45, marking his first win since the 2024 Kentucky Derby. Contested over 1 1/8 miles on a fast dirt track, the Grade 3 race was part of Stephen Foster Preview Day at Churchill and featured a field of seven runners after three scratches.
Mystik Dan’s victory was tactical, with a rail-skimming move in the stretch, echoing his 2024 Kentucky Derby win. Antiquarian led at the three-quarter mark but settled for second, while Post Time, a consistent closer, took third. Hall of Fame and Banishing faced wider trips, impacting their placings, with Tennessee Lamb and Alexander Helios fading after early efforts. The scratches reduced the field but did not diminish the race’s competitiveness, with Mystik Dan’s time reinforcing his affinity for Churchill Downs.
Embedded replay courtesy of the NBC Sports Channel on YouTube
Historically, the Blame Stakes has seen few Kentucky Derby winners return to win at Churchill Downs post-Derby, with Silver Charm in 1998 being the last before Mystik Dan. This victory, worth $166,710, increased Mystik Dan’s career earnings to $4,417,570.
The split times for the 2025 Blame Stakes were 23.89, 24.32, 24.66, and 12.65 seconds, with a run-up of 50 feet. The pace was set early by Alexander Helios, with Antiquarian taking the lead by the three-quarter mark before Mystik Dan surged in the stretch.
Embedded replay courtesy of the FanDuel Racing Channel on YouTube
Official Order of Finish
| Position | Horse Number | Horse Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | Mystik Dan |
| 2 | 3 | Antiquarian |
| 3 | 9 | Post Time |
| 4 | 6 | Hall of Fame |
| 5 | 8 | Banishing |
| 6 | 10 | Tennessee Lamb |
| 7 | 2 | Alexander Helios |
Scratched Horses: Best Actor, Katonah, Most Wanted.
| Wager Type | Combination | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| $2 Win (Mystik Dan) | 4 | $8.12 |
| $2 Exacta | 4-3 | $74.94 |
| $0.50 Trifecta | 4-3-9 | $71.57 |
| $0.10 Superfecta | 4-3-9-6 | $41.00 |
| $1 Super High Five | 4-3-9-6-8 | $851.12 |
| $1 Daily Double | 8-4 | $26.51 |
| $0.50 Pick 3 | 3-8-4 | $205.00 |
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