Mystik Dan’s chances of winning the second leg of the Triple Crown have improved after the announcement that Preakness favorite Muth has been ruled out of the race due to a fever. Muth, trained by Bob Baffert, spiked a high fever, leading to Zedan Racing Stables withdrawing him from the 149th running of the Preakness Stakes. Baffert will still be at Pimlico Race Course with Imagination, who is also owned by Zedan Racing Stables. Muth, who opened as the favorite, was ruled out after reaching a temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit shortly after arriving at the racecourse.
Baffert expressed disappointment at the decision, stating that they were looking forward to the race but prioritized the horse’s health above all else. Despite this setback, Baffert remains a dominant force in the Preakness, holding the record for the most wins in the event. Last year’s victory marked his eighth at the prestigious race. Muth had previously defeated this year’s Kentucky Derby winner, Mystik Dan, at the Arkansas Derby in March. Mystik Dan’s trainer, Kenny McPeek, remains confident in his horse’s preparedness for the Preakness and is ready to compete regardless of Muth’s absence.
The sudden withdrawal of Preakness favorite Muth has added pressure on Mystik Dan, the Kentucky Derby winner, as he aims to keep the Triple Crown dream alive. Baffert’s presence at Pimlico Race Course with Imagination, another horse owned by Zedan Racing Stables, adds intrigue to the upcoming race. McPeek acknowledged the fragility of the sport, noting that setbacks can happen to any horse at any time. Despite the added pressure, Mystik Dan’s team remains optimistic about his chances and is determined to give their best performance at the Preakness.
The decision to prioritize Muth’s long-term health and well-being over competing in the Preakness reflects the values of Zedan Racing Stables and Baffert’s philosophy on horse care. The horse racing community has expressed disappointment over the absence of the Preakness favorite but understands the importance of ensuring the welfare of the animals. Mystik Dan’s team is focused on their preparations and remains committed to their goal of winning the prestigious race. The unexpected turn of events has only heightened the excitement and anticipation surrounding the Preakness Stakes, as fans eagerly await the showdown between Mystik Dan and the remaining competitors.
Baffert’s absence from this year’s Kentucky Derby due to his ban at Churchill Downs adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming Preakness Stakes. Despite not being eligible to enter a horse at the Derby, Baffert remains a formidable presence in the Triple Crown series. The withdrawal of Preakness favorite Muth has reshaped the dynamics of the race, with Mystik Dan now emerging as a strong contender to secure victory. As the countdown to the Preakness continues, fans and experts alike are eagerly anticipating the outcome of the race and the potential for another thrilling chapter in the history of horse racing. Mystik Dan’s team remains focused and determined as they prepare for the challenge ahead, keeping the dream of the Triple Crown alive.
The unexpected turn of events leading to Muth’s withdrawal from the Preakness Stakes has cast a spotlight on the resilience and adaptability of the participants in the horse racing world. The decision to prioritize the health and well-being of the horses underscores the values of sportsmanship and respect for the animals. As Mystik Dan and his competitors gear up for the second leg of the Triple Crown, the anticipation and excitement among fans continue to build. With the absence of the favorite, the race has taken on a new dynamic, creating a sense of unpredictability and intrigue that adds to the allure of the sport. As the Preakness Stakes draws near, all eyes will be on Mystik Dan and his team as they seek to write their own chapter in the storied history of horse racing.
