‘We want to run’: McPeek leans toward Mystik Dan in Belmont

Trainer Kenny McPeek made it clear Thursday that the Belmont Stakes is the first choice for Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan.

Part of the reason is logistics, with the goals of the Grade 1 Travers, “possibly” the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) and the Breeders’ Cup in mind, he said during a National Thoroughbred Racing Association teleconference.

“Let’s say we skipped the Belmont. Do we point towards the Jim Dandy or the Haskell? I know myself, the Jim Dandy being Grade 2, we don’t want to step down. The Haskell (G1), we would have to ship and run, which I’m not excited about. …

“So the Belmont actually seems to be a little more attractive, because I don’t have to ship. It is a Grade 1. Obviously the prestige is a no-brainer. So if everything goes right, we want to run. We do. We’ve just got to make sure that all boxes are checked and T’s are crossed and I’s are dotted.”

McPeek’s Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Thorpedo Anna remains his second choice for the Belmont, but only if Mystik Dan is held out. The decision will be made after both work this weekend at Saratoga.

“I think she can handle the mile and a quarter if we went in the Belmont. Like I said, I’m not going to run them against each other, which is unfortunate. I don’t want to take Brian off either horse, and I don’t have to do that if I keep them separated.

“But she is pointed towards possibly being champion 3-year-old filly, and the chance to do that against colts, it remains to be seen. … Our work at Churchill last week, before I shipped her, she throws down a 46 and change.”

The alternative for Thorpedo Anna remains the Acorn (G1) on Friday.

“She’s just got world-class talent. And like I said, I think she’s improving. So if that’s the case, I think we can have a whole lot of fun from here on.”