Mystik Dan returns to track with Preakness status still undecided

Mystik Dan worked out for the first time at Churchill Downs on Wednesday in Louisville, Ky., since winning Saturday's Kentucky Derby there.

Trainer Kenny McPeek is weighing whether to enter Mystik Dan into the Preakness Stakes on May 18. But more than anything Wednesday, McPeek wanted to "make sure he's moving good, eating good and happy."

"At this stage, I like what I see," the trainer told Bloodhorse.

McPeek remains noncommittal about when he'll decide about whether to enter Mystik Dan in the next Triple Crown race, saying it could go right up until May 13, the day of entries.

"An old guy told me a long time ago, never make a decision until you absolutely, positively have to," McPeek said.

Mystik Dan put in a 1 1/8-mile gallop on Wednesday but that will increase to 1 3/8 miles beginning Thursday. The Preakness is a 1 3/16-mile race.

McPeek indicated that the 3-year-old colt will likely run in the Preakness so long as he's healthy and happy.

"It's not that big a deal," McPeek said. "As long as their immune systems are good and they're happy, no problem."

--Field Level Media