As a lot as extending 2024 by just a few months wouldn’t trouble coach Kenny McPeek, he’s already wanting ahead to 2025.
Each of the celebs which have made 2024 a profession 12 months for McPeek are scheduled to run subsequent 12 months with Kentucky Derby Offered by Woodford Reserve winner Mystik Dan set to begin within the Malibu Stakes Dec. 26 at Santa Anita Park and the filly Thorpedo Anna, the clubhouse chief within the Horse of the 12 months race, concentrating on both the Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline April 5 at Meydan Racecourse or the April 12 million Apple Blossom Handicap April 12 at Oaklawn Park.
Mystik Dan, a son of Goldencents, is already at Santa Anita making ready for the seven-furlong Malibu. It will be his first begin since he completed eighth within the June 8 Belmont Stakes following a runner-up end within the Preakness Stakes and his victory within the run for the roses.
“He arrived in California (Dec. 18) and he has per week to prepare for the Malibu,” McPeek stated. Brian Hernandez Jr., McPeek’s first-call jockey and the common rider of each of his star 3-year-olds, will make the journey to California for the project.
Owned by 4G Racing, Valley View Farm, Lance Gasaway, and Daniel Hamby III, Mystik Dan has gained three of 9 begins with earnings of $4,161,360. He was bred by Gasaway, Hamby, and 4G Racing.
Thorpedo Anna is at present at McPeek’s Magdalena Farm in Lexington getting a well-deserved relaxation after a 2024 marketing campaign that included wins within the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff and Longines Kentucky Oaks and a second towards colts within the DraftKings Travers Stakes. A no brainer because the champion 3-year-old filly, her mark of six wins in seven 2024 begins – 5 of the wins in Grade 1 firm – places her atop the record of candidates for Horse of the 12 months honors.
McPeek stated the daughter of Quick Anna can be shipped to Silverleaf Hills Coaching Heart in Ocala, Fla., within the subsequent few days after which in early January will be a part of McPeek at Honest Grounds to start coaching for her 4-year-old marketing campaign.
“She can be nominated to each the Dubai World Cup and the Apple Blossom and she or he’ll run in one in all them,” he stated.
Owned by Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks, and Magdalena Racing, Thorpedo Anna has gained eight of 10 profession begins with earnings of $3,843,663. She was bred by Hicks.
Collectively, Mystik Dan and Thorpedo Anna have been on the forefront of a career-best 12 months for McPeek, who has 84 wins in 2024 with earnings of $15,893,896. His earlier greatest for earnings is $10,779,656, which occurred final 12 months.
His 2024 resume additionally consists of six Grade 1 wins and his first Breeders’ Cup victory after seven seconds within the occasion. He additionally turned the fifth lively coach to win all three legs of the Triple Crown.
In his profession, McPeek has 2,069 wins with earnings of $131,589,350.
