2025.04.02 Oaklawn Racing Updates

Racing Press Release
Compiled by Robert Yates

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Monday was a dark day at Oaklawn, but two stars were out in the morning for trainer Kenny McPeek.

Mystik Dan, the 2024 Kentucky Derby winner, returned to the work tab, while reigning Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna breezed in advance of her scheduled start in the $1.25 million Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) April 12. Retired two-time Oaklawn riding champion Robby Albarado was again aboard both horses.

Mystik Dan, who breezed immediately after the first surface renovation break, posted a three-furlong bullet (:36) and galloped out a half-mile in :48.40. Mystik Dan, runaway winner of the Southwest Stakes (G3) last season at Oaklawn, is unraced since finishing ninth in the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) at 1 1/8 miles Jan. 25 at Gulfstream Park.

“He felt great, actually,” Albarado said moments after Mystik Dan breezed. “Really, really good. Excited about him coming back this time.”

Thorpedo Anna also worked over a fast track, just after the track opened for training. She went five furlongs in 1:01 and galloped out six furlongs in 1:14.60.

“She went really good, too,” Albarado said.

Thorpedo Anna was working for the second time since winning her 2025 debut, the $400,000 Azeri Stakes (G2) for older fillies and mares at 1 1/16 March 8 at Oaklawn. The Azeri was Oaklawn’s final major prep for the 1 1/16-mile Apple Blossom.

Thorpedo Anna and Mystik Dan both arrived March 25 at Oaklawn after previously being based at Fair Grounds.

McPeek wanted to work both horses last Saturday, but the track was muddy. Instead, Albarado galloped Thorpedo Anna and Mystik Dan between races that afternoon before an estimated Arkansas Derby Day crowd of 68,500.

“That was great,” Albarado said. “That was good for the fans, the people. Started something, I think. It was pretty cool.”

Next-race plans are pending for Mystik Dan, who also finished third in the Arkansas Derby (G1) last year at Oaklawn.

Banishing to Kentucky

The versatile Banishing will move back to one-turn in his next start, the $1 million Churchill Downs Stakes (G1) for older horses at seven furlongs May 3 at Churchill Downs, co-owner/trainer David Jacobson said Monday morning.

Banishing was assigned a preliminary Beyer Speed Figure of 102 for his one-length victory over Saudi Crown, a millionaire Grade 1 winner, in Saturday’s $500,000 Oaklawn Mile (G3). It was the fastest mile race of the meeting (1:36.77) and among three victories on the card for Jacobson.

“I think this race will set him up perfect for it,” Jacobson said. “I see him laying in the middle of the pack and have dead aim on whoever wants to run with him.”

Banishing has flourished since Lawrence P. Roman purchased the gelding for $80,000 at Fasig-Tipton’s July Horses of Racing Age Sale. Jacobson, a veteran of the New York Racing Association circuit, and Roman now co-own Banishing, a 5-year-old son of 2004 Horse of the Year Ghostzapper.

Banishing has a 5-2-0 record in his last seven starts, including a 3 ½-length victory in a seven-furlong allowance race Nov. 23 at Churchill Downs, a 7 ½-length victory in the six-furlong $145,000 Byerley Turk Overnight Stakes Feb. 23 at Oaklawn and a runner-up finish, beaten a head, in the $500,000 Razorback Handicap (G3) at 1 1/16 miles Feb. 23 at Oaklawn. The Razorback produced a meet-best time of 1:41.88 for 1 1/16 miles.

“He speaks for himself,” Jacobson said. “Nothing I can say.”

Banishing, originally raced by his breeder, Godolphin, has an overall record of 7-2-2 from 17 lifetime starts, with earnings of $778,804. The Byerley Turk was the gelding’s stakes debut and the first Oaklawn stakes victory for Jacobson, who has a greatly expanded presence this season in Hot Springs. He is tied for seventh in the trainer standings with 13 victories.

“I’m aiming horses to run the last weekend, the last day,” Jacobson said. “I love it here. Oaklawn’s been phenomenal to me. I plan on coming back next year. What can I say? They treat the horsemen the way they’re supposed to be treated.”

Oaklawn’s 2024-2025 meeting ends May 3.

Bealmear Nears Comeback

Joseph Bealmear, Oaklawn’s leading apprentice jockey in 2023-2024, said he could begin galloping horses again this weekend in advance of his riding comeback later this month.

Bealmear, 20, hasn’t ridden since breaking his collarbone in a March 9 spill at Oaklawn. Bealmear underwent surgery and, barring any setbacks, will resume riding April 13, he said.

“Just a quick surgery,” Bealmear said Saturday afternoon. “Put a plate in it; put it back together. Everybody told me that was the better way to go. It heals a lot quicker that way. I’m just getting healthy, staying fit.”

Bealmear rode 19 winners at the 2023-2024 Oaklawn meeting. Bealmear has 45 career victories, including five this season at Oaklawn.