Mystik Dan's Path to Triple Crown Victory Cleared after Muth's Scratch

With the withdrawal of Preakness favorite Muth due to a fever, Mystik Dan's chances of claiming the second leg of the Triple Crown have significantly improved, as he is now the clear favorite for the upcoming race.

The Kentucky Derby winner, Mystik Dan, has received a major boost in his bid to capture the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, as the previously favored horse, Muth, has been ruled out of the race due to a high fever.

The Bob Baffert-trained Muth spiked a fever of 103 degrees Fahrenheit approximately 12 hours after arriving at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. As a result, Zedan Racing Stables announced the disappointing news that Muth would not be able to compete in the 149th running of the Preakness Stakes.

"We are incredibly disappointed that Muth won't be able to run in the Preakness due to high fever," the group said in a statement. "Based on the recommendation of our trainer, we are giving priority to the horse's long-term health and keeping him from this race. We expect Muth to fully recover soon."

Baffert, who was ineligible to enter a horse at the Kentucky Derby due to his ban at Churchill Downs, will still be present at Pimlico Race Course with Imagination, another horse owned by Zedan Racing Stables.

Muth was the 8-5 favorite to win the Preakness, followed by Mystik Dan at 5-2. The withdrawal of Muth leaves Mystik Dan as the clear favorite, as he has shown impressive form throughout the racing season.

Trainer Kenny McPeek expressed confidence in Mystik Dan's ability to rise to the occasion despite the absence of a formidable rival. "It's a fragile game: It can happen to any of them," McPeek said. "I guess it puts added pressure on us, but he's ready."

McPeek pointed out that Mystik Dan's pedigree and recent performances suggest that he is capable of handling the challenges of the Preakness Stakes. "He's a very talented horse," McPeek said. "He's got a great mind and a great demeanor. I think he's ready for this."

Mystik Dan's victory in the Kentucky Derby marked the beginning of his quest for the Triple Crown. If he can secure a win in the Preakness Stakes, he will move a step closer to becoming the first horse since Justify in 2018 to achieve this coveted milestone.

The Preakness Stakes will take place on Saturday, May 20, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. The race will be broadcast live on NBC.