Breeders’ Cup: Kentucky Derby Winner Mystik Dan Scratched

Mystik Dan, the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner, has been scratched from today $1 million Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) due to a potential flexing issue in the left ankle.

The news on Saturday morning comes as another blow to trainer Kenny McPeek. On Friday morning, his Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) contender Blackout Time was scratched by the regulatory veterinary team.

“Both my Breeders' Cup horses have been scratched by Regulatory Vets,’’ McPeek wrote on social media. “My team put both these horses on the plane without a single soundness concern. Neither horse has had any history of unsoundness.

“While obviously disappointed, we have been on an amazing journey the last two years and will continue to work hard for our clients and our horses.

Both my Breeder’s Cup horses have been scratched by Regulatory Vets. My team put both these horses on the plane without a single soundness concern. Neither horse has had any history of unsoundness. While obviously disappointed, We have been on an amazing journey the last two… pic.twitter.com/Hbjt44itzn

— Kenny McPeek (@KennyMcPeek) November 1, 2025

Mystik Dan was listed at 6-1 odds for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, which still stacks up as one of the most competitive races on the day, including the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).

Nysos, a winner in 5-of-6 starts for trainer Bob Baffert, is the early 6-5 favorite, defending champ Full Serrano is 7-2, 2023 Classic winner White Abarrio is 8-1. Baffert has two other entries: 2024 BC Juvenile winner Citizen Bull at 10-1 and Goal Oriented at 6-1.

McPeek also trained 2024 Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna, who won the 2024 Kentucky Oaks (G1) a day before Mystik Dan won the Derby to give the trainer a rare Oaks-Derby double.

Also scratched on Saturday morning was Atsila, a 20-1 longshot in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) for trainer Donnacha O’Brien.

Most Breeders’ Cup wins for Aidan O’Brien (for now)

Entering the final day of the Breeders’ Cup, Aidan O’Brien has 21 Breeders’ Cup wins – the most of any trainer after Gstaad ($4.40) won the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) by three-quarters of a length on Friday night.

The win moved the Irish trainer one ahead of the late D. Wayne Lukas.

“A very good performance and Christophe (Soumillon) did a great job from the draw. Aidan is now the most winning Breeders’ Cup trainer,’’ winning co-owner Michael Tabor said. “He’s simply a superb trainer, his work ethic is incredible. You have to love what you do to be successful.”

Breeders’ Cup results: Longshots start strong Friday night

Cy Fair ($12) outmuscled Schwarzenegger in the stretch and won the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1).

In the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, it was 8-1 Super Corredora ($19.40) going gate-to-wire in an upset over favorites Tommy Jo and Percy’s Bar.

Balantina ($43.20) came through on the rail and won the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) for Donnacha O’Brien, the son of trainer Aidan O’Brien. The filly won by 1 ¼ lengths over Pacific Mission.

Favorite Ted Noffey ($3.60) fought off Brant in the stretch and edged Mr. A.P.  in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) to likely clinch an Eclipse Award as the 2-year-old male champion and stamp himself an early favorite for the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1). The unbeaten winner is trained by Todd Pletcher and was ridden by John Velazquez.

If you want to be updated with the most recent information about today's races, you can check our live updates coverage, with the most recent Breeders' Cup odds, scratches, and news.

US Racing Team

The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.