Comebacking Mystic Guide has first timed workout

Unraced since July 3, when he was narrowly beaten in the Suburban Stakes, 2021 Dubai World Cup winner Mystic Guide hit another milestone toward his return to racing when he had his first post-layoff timed workout Sunday at Fair Grounds.

This was merely a three-furlong drill clocked in 37.80 seconds, but the work left a positive impression on Michael Stidham, who trains the Godolphin homebred.

“Beautiful. He floated over the track. He looked great, did it the right way, and we’re happy to get him back going,” Stidham said.

Mystic Guide came out of the Suburban, his first start since his 3 3/4-length victory in Dubai, with a chipped knee that required surgical repair. Connections obviously would love Mystic Guide to have a chance at a repeat victory in the World Cup, and if all went well, the colt, by Ghostzapper, could have one prep in February, either at Fair Grounds or Oaklawn Park, before heading overseas. But these are still relatively early days in Mystic Guide’s return to full fitness.

“We’re going to let him tell us. We won’t rush anything,” Stidham said.

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Stidham last week also welcomed another Godolphin homebred back into his Fair Grounds barn, Proxy, who sniffed the Triple Crown trail last winter and spring while finishing second in the Lecomte and Risen Star and fourth in the Louisiana Derby. Proxy ran fourth April 10 in the Lexington Stakes and worked several times thereafter before being taken out of training.

By Tapit out of Panty Raid, a Grade 1 winner on turf and dirt, Proxy was legged up at Keeneland before being sent to New Orleans, Stidham said, though the colt has yet to post a timed workout.