Mystik Dan, the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner, is set to make his turf debut on August 9 at Colonial Downs in the $1 million Arlington Million Stakes (G1T). Trainer Kenny McPeek, eager to try the colt on grass, believes Mystik Dan’s balanced and easy-moving style suits turf racing, drawing comparisons to Northern Dancer. After a solid fourth-place finish in the June 28 Stephen Foster Stakes (G1) on dirt, McPeek sees this turf race as a new opportunity to test the horse against older competition from a different angle.

The 4-year-old son of Goldencents recently completed his first turf workout at Saratoga, impressing with an effortless five-furlong breeze. McPeek is confident Mystik Dan will handle the surface well and can comfortably run the mile-and-a-quarter distance. Mystik Dan will break from the rail with regular jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. and is listed as the 9-2 fourth choice in an eight-horse field for the Arlington Million.