The morning after the 149^th Preakness Stakes (G1), the commotion had died down at the Preakness Stakes Barn at Pimlico Race Course. The hustle and bustle of the previous week was gone as several horses had vacated their stalls and headed to new – or in some cases old – destinations.

Trainer Kenny McPeek, accompanied by his trusty yellow Labrador, Sonny, arrived just after 7:30 Sunday morning. He sat on a trunk just outside of the stall of Mystik Dan, who had run a gallant second in the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown.

Owned by Michael Milam and LC Racing LLC, Mystik Dan and jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. finished 2 ¼ lengths behind Seize the Grey in the Preakness and a head in front of Catching Freedom.

There was some sadness that the Kentucky Derby (G1) winner did not capture the Preakness and keep his hopes alive for a Triple Crown, but there was no disappointment.

“It’s impossible to be disappointed about being involved with these kind of races and be competitive,” McPeek said. “One, they are hard races to get into, but to be competitive in them is a big deal. You just do your job and hope it’s your turn.”

McPeek said Mystik Dan came out of the race fine. He walked the shedrow Sunday and then grazed.

“He’s probably fresher than we are,” McPeek said.

The next stop for him will be Saratoga. McPeek said he will ship to the Spa “probably” Monday. Whether or not he runs in the Belmont Stakes (G1) at the Spa June 8 is another matter.

McPeek said he will wait “a week, 10 days, two weeks” before making a decision on that.

After having 12 hours to digest the Preakness, McPeek gave all credit to Seize the Grey and his Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas. However, being honest, McPeek did not have him on his radar heading into the Preakness.

“I was worried about Catching Freedom (who finished third), (Bob) Baffert’s horse (Imagination, 7^th) and maybe Chad’s (Brown) horse (Tuscan Gold, 4^th),” McPeek said. “I did not think Seize the Grey was a horse that could beat us. He ran great. Even on the gallop out, no one could run him down.”

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