Mystic Guide Monstrous in Razorback

HOT SPRINGS, AR – Godolphin homebred Mystic Guide was a monstrous 6-length winner in Saturday’s $600,000 Razorback Handicap (G3) at Oaklawn Park.

The 2/1 second choice under Luis Saez, Mystic Guide remained wide and in the clear from a stalking position while Hunka Burning Love set the pace.

Creeping forward in the far turn, Mystic Guide straightened out and unleashed a strong kick that pushed him to the lead inside the 1/8 pole.

The Mike Stidham trainee drew clear to win the 1 1/16-mile sloppy (sealed) dirt route in 1:44.33.

“Everything was perfect, that was the trip that we wanted,” Saez said. “We had the perfect spot from the outside. I just tried to keep the horse clean and he was comfortable all the way. He got to the top of the stretch and took off. It was a great race.”

Silver Prospector was second by 1 1/4 lengths over the 7/5 favorite Owendale, who rallied from well off the pace but had too much to do in the stretch.

Hunka Burning Love, Rated R Superstar, Long Range Toddy, and Mailman Money completed the order of finish.

Mystic Guide’s win was his second at the graded stakes level following last September’s Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) and improved his overall record to 7-3-2-2. The lightly-raced 4-year-old Ghostzapper colt has now earned $553,200.

“it’s so rewarding with a horse like this that we were really patient with as a 3-year-old,” Stidham said. “We spaced his races, gave him time to develop. It’s really paying off now. That’s the best part of it all.”

Mystic Guide returned $6.40 to win, $3.80 to place, and $2.60 to show. Silver Prospector brought back $5.80 to place and $3.40 to show. Owendale paid $2.20 to show.