We owe Mystik Dan an apology. There’s no reason to pretend otherwise.
When we ranked the names of the horses racing in the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago, the eventual winner landed at No. 12 out of 20. Admittedly, this was a shortsighted decision. The name is perfect for this horse, who magically appeared out of nowhere on the home stretch at Churchill Downs to win an epic photo finish.
We will not make that mistake again, but Mystik Dan still doesn’t top our list of the best-named horses racing in the 149th Preakness Stakes on Saturday. Not with these thoroughbreds in the field.
8
Imagination
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Yeah, asking a Bob Baffert horse to do better is asking for trouble, but imagination is the one thing this horse’s name doesn’t have.
Friday Odds: 6-1
Morning Line Odds: 6-1
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Frankie Dettori
Owner(s): SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Bashor, Dianne, Masterson, Robert E., Waves Edge Capital LLC, Donovan, Catherine and Ryan, Tom J.
7
Uncle Heavy
May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; National Treasure with John R. Velazquez up (1) after the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Uncle Heavy is the name of a John Candy character from the 1980s who smokes 10 cigars a day and couldn’t be further from being a champion race horse.
Friday Odds: 20-1
Morning Line Odds: 20-1
Trainer: Robert E. Reid Jr.
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Owner(s): Milam, Michael and LC Racing LLC
6
Catching Freedom
Kentucky Derby hopeful Catching Freedom gallops in the morning at Churchill Downs. Special to the Courier Journal by Pat McDonogh. April 23, 2024
It was a boring name in the Kentucky Derby. It remains a boring name in the Preakness Stakes.
Friday Odds: 6-1
Morning Line Odds: 6-1
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Owner(s): Albaugh Family Stables LLC
5
Just Steel
Kentucky Derby contender Just Steel on the track for a workout Thursday morning at Churchill Downs April 25, 2024 in Louisville, Ky. Trainer for Just Steel is D. Wayne Lukas. It’s Lukas’ first Derby since 2018. He’s won four Kentucky Derbys, six Preakness Stakes and four Belmont Stakes.
A boring name at first glance, until you realize he’s named after his Sire, Justify. As in, Triple Crown winner Justify. We have no choice but to bow down.
Friday Odds: 15-1
Morning Line Odds: 15-1
Trainer: Wayne Lukas
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Owner(s): BC Stables LLC
4
Seize The Grey
Jockey Jaime Torres kisses Seize The Grey after winning the Pat Day at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby day. May 4, 2024
A solid, if not classic, punny horse name. Was this the safe and obvious choice? Sure. That doesn’t make it the wrong one.
Friday Odds: 15-1
Morning Line Odds: 15-1
Trainer: Wayne Lukas
Jockey: Jaime Torres
Owner(s): MyRacehorse
3
Tuscan Gold
Trainer Chad Brown at his stable on the backside of Churchill Downs. April 22, 2024.
This name sounds like what a five-star Italian restaurant would call its hand-grated parmesan cheese. And we’re not saying “when” anytime soon.
Friday Odds: 8-1
Morning Line Odds: 8-1
Trainer: Chad Brown
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Owner(s): Lawrence, William H., Walmac Farm and Stonestreet Stables LLC
2
Mystik Dan
Jockey Tyler Gaffalione on Sierra Leone, left, puts his hand and whip on Forever Young with jockey Ryusei Sakai aboard as the two drive down the stretch to catch Mystik Dan with jockey Brian J. Hernandez. Mystik Dan won the 2024 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 4, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky.
See above. It’s perfect name for a horse that keeps pulling off wins after falling behind early.
Friday Odds: 5-2 (favorite)
Morning Line Odds: 5-2
Trainer: Kenny McPeek
Jockey: Brian Hernandez, Jr.
Owner(s): Lance Gasaway, 4 G Racing LLC & Daniel Hamby III
1
Mugatu
Kentucky Derby contender Mugatu on the works out at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. May 1, 2024.
A horse named after an iconic Will Ferrell character from Zoolander. There is no other option for No. 1. That said, we will not be acknowledging Zoolander 2.
Friday Odds: 20-1
Morning Line Odds: 20-1
Trainer: Jeff Engler
Jockey: Joe Bravo
Owner(s): Average Joe Racing Stables Ltd. & Dan Wells
