LOUISVILLE, Ky. — One year after capturing the Kentucky Derby, Mystik Dan returned to the Churchill Downs winner’s circle in triumphant fashion, taking the Lukas Classic with substitute ride Francisco Arrieta in the saddle.

The 4-year-old bay colt, trained by Kenny McPeek, powered through a narrow opening at the top of the stretch and surged along the inside rail to reel in Disarm, winning by three-quarters of a length in 1:49:25 for 1 1/8 miles over a fast track.

Arrieta filled in for jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., who is recovering from multiple injuries, suffered in a fall following a horse’s injury last week.

“I had so much horse in the stretch,” Arrieta said. “I just had to stay patient and wait for the spot to open. He’s such a classy horse and I’m very thankful to Kenny and the owne

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