Photo:

Scott Serio / Eclipse Sportswire

Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan returned to the work tab Saturday morning at Keeneland as he prepares for his return to racing. Owned by Four G Racing, Lance Gasaway, Daniel Hamby III and Valley View Farm, Mystik Dan has not raced since finishing eighth in the Belmont Stakes on June 8.

With regular exercise rider and former jockey Robby Albarado in the saddle, Mystik Dan was clocked in 36.2 seconds for three furlongs. The time was the fastest of 15 at the distance.

“This was just his first little leg stretch – nice and easy by himself,” trainer Kenny McPeek’s assistant Ray Bryner said. “We’re going forward, and we will let him tell us when he is ready for us to find a race for him.”

Before arriving at Keeneland earlier this month, Mystik Dan had been training at McPeek’s Magdalena Farm about 12 miles northeast of Keeneland. Albarado had been riding Mystik Dan there, and McPeek said he wanted to continue that program.

Mystik Dan trained as a juvenile at Keeneland, where he made his career debut a year ago, finishing second in a maiden special weight race. He has compiled a 9: 3-2-1 record and a $4,161,360 bankroll, including his runner-up finish in the Preakness.