Muth, the favorite for the upcoming Preakness race, has been ruled out due to a fever, removing a horse trained by Bob Baffert and potentially giving Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan a clearer path to victory. Baffert announced that Muth’s temperature had spiked to 103 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to his withdrawal from the race. This comes as a disappointment to the team, as the horse had been performing well and was considered a strong contender. Baffert still has one entry, Imagination, in the race, making the field now consist of eight horses.
The absence of Muth has shifted the dynamics of the race, with Mystik Dan now emerging as a top contender. Mystik Dan, who won the Kentucky Derby by a nose, is now expected to be the favorite for the Preakness. The team behind Mystik Dan, including jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., is confident in their abilities and ready to compete without worrying about chasing the former favorite. Mystik Dan’s experience on a sloppy track may give him an advantage if the Preakness is run under rainy conditions, as forecasted.
The unexpected withdrawal of Muth has caused a ripple effect at Pimlico Race Course, where the news spread quickly amongst trainers and horse racing enthusiasts. While disappointed by the turn of events, the focus is now on preparing for the race without the former favorite. Mystik Dan’s trainer, Kenny McPeek, is traveling to Baltimore to oversee the final preparations and ensure that his horse is in top form for the race. The pressure has increased for Mystik Dan’s team, but they remain confident in their chances of success.
The Triple Crown potential is now in sight for Mystik Dan, with a victory at the Preakness setting up the opportunity to compete for the coveted title. The last horse to achieve the Triple Crown was Baffert’s Justify in 2018. If Mystik Dan wins the Preakness, it would set up a historic opportunity for a Triple Crown bid at the Belmont Stakes, scheduled to take place at Saratoga Race Course in upstate New York. The horse racing community is eagerly anticipating the upcoming race and the potential for a new Triple Crown champion.
The nature of horse racing is unpredictable, as illustrated by Muth’s sudden withdrawal from the Preakness race. Trainer Bob Baffert and his team were disappointed by the turn of events but made the decision in the best interest of the horse. The resilience and adaptability of the sport are being tested once again, with new contenders emerging and the competition intensifying. As the Preakness approaches, fans and participants alike are bracing for an exciting and unpredictable race, with Mystik Dan now at the forefront of the competition.
