Dubai World Cup Winner Mystic Guide Scheduled to Return to Keeneland

Godolphin’s homebred Mystic Guide, who won the $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) on Saturday, is expected to arrive at trainer Mike Stidham’s Keeneland barn this Saturday. The trip will mark the 4-year-old’s return to Keeneland, where he received his early education.

Two years ago, Mystic Guide was conditioned at Godolphin’s division at the Keeneland Training Center adjacent to the track on Rice Road before he launched his racing career. He turned in his first five timed works here in 2019.

Godolphin USA President Jimmy Bell noted that bringing out the best in Mystic Guide was a team effort.

“He was a little immature mentally and physically,” Bell said. “The key was the patience everyone displayed during his pre-training (first) in Florida, his time at Keeneland with John Burke and (later) with trainer Mike Stidham.”

Mystic Guide joined Stidham’s fleet late in his 2-year-old season and debuted with a third-place finish the following year at Fair Grounds. He scored his initial career victory at the same track on March 21, 2020, in his second start.

“He was not really ready to compete at the highest level,” Bell said. “The decision was made to not chase the Kentucky Derby ([G1] Presented by Woodford Reserve) and be ready for later races. We felt he would be a good 4-year-old. The patience has allowed him to develop.”

Mystic Guide earned his first stakes victory in the Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga last summer and won the Razorback (G3) at Oaklawn Park in February. 

Following his sojourn at Keeneland, Mystic Guide is scheduled to join Stidham’s base at Fair Hill Training Center in Maryland.