In an exciting three-wide photo finish, Mystik Dan emerged as the victorious 150th Kentucky Derby winner, narrowly edging out Sierra Leone and Japan-bred Forever Young. However, hopes for a rematch in the 149th Preakness Stakes may be dashed, as trainer Kenny McPeek and the horse's ownership remain non-committal about their participation in the upcoming race.

The quick two-week turnaround required for the Preakness on May 18 in Baltimore has raised concerns among the team. McPeek stated that he had previously run the colt back in two weeks before, resulting in an unfavorable outcome. Consequently, the decision to enter Mystik Dan in the 1 3/16 mile Preakness will be made after observing his performance during his visit to Saratoga, New York.

The picturesque track in Saratoga is set to host the Triple Crown's final jewel for the next three years while Belmont Park is undergoing reconstruction. Additionally, the Belmont Stakes have been shortened to a 1 1/4 mile distance, matching the length of the Kentucky Derby. Mystik Dan's thrilling victory in the Derby, with its closest three-way finish since 1947, has further brought attention to the possibility of his entry into the Belmont.

Meanwhile, Sierra Leone, the runner-up in the Kentucky Derby, will be skipping the Preakness and opting to train at Saratoga instead. Rest is seen as necessary for Sierra Leone, given the strenuous effort he exerted in chasing down Mystik Dan in the Derby. Trainer Chad Brown believes that the five-week gap leading up to the Belmont is the right decision for his horse.

The potential absence of these Derby star horses in the Preakness may diminish its initial star power. However, the race at Pimlico Race Course is expected to be nonetheless exciting with a number of well-rested and formidable competitors.

Renowned Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert might have two entrants, Imagination and Muth, in the Preakness. Baffert, who seeks to replicate National Treasure's victory at the event last year, faced obstacles in getting Muth included due to Churchill Downs' suspension of the owner, Amr Zedan.

As McPeek and Mystik Dan's owners deliberate on their decision, they have been reveling in the triumph of their Derby victory. McPeek becomes just the third trainer in history, after Ben Jones, to sweep both the Derby and Kentucky Oaks for fillies. Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., who rode Mystik Dan to victory, joins an elite group of riders who have achieved this feat.

Mystik Dan, calmly standing amidst the attention and congratulations, was bathed and adorned with the winner's blanket, symbolizing his Kentucky Derby win. In the meantime, Oaks-winning filly Thorpedo Anna also made a brief appearance, relishing the limelight.

As Hernandez prepares for the significant changes in his life after his victorious Derby ride, he finds himself inundated with interview requests and constant excitement. Reflecting on his newfound success, Hernandez proudly declares himself a professional jockey who can now answer with a resounding "yes" to the question, "Have you ever won the Kentucky Derby?"