by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Balmoral Park

Crete, IL — After a very sharp score in his elimination last week Let It Ride Stables, Robert Cooper Stables and Angie Nessa’s Mystic Desire has been installed as the 9-5 morning line favorite for Saturday’s (Nov. 13) $127,000 American-National Stake for 2-year-old pacing colts at Balmoral Park.

Balmoral Park photo

Mystic Desire is the 9-5 morning line favorite in the American-National for freshman pacing colts.

The good looking son of Real Desire-Cannes Festival has turned out to be quite a nice investment for his connections who plucked the bay colt out of the Lexington Selected Sale for just $15,000. Through his first 11 starts the Shawn Nessa trainee has posted seven wins, one second and two thirds while earning $212,465.

After winning his debut here at Balmoral Park in 1:55.1 back in June the Pennsylvania bred really caught the eye of driver Dave Magee who piloted him to victory in his next start, a division of a $335,756 Pennsylvania Sire Stake, at the Meadows in 1:53.1.

“He expressed class right from the start,” Magee said. “He handles well and he was quick right out of the box but he was also relaxed during his miles as well. He’s a very nice horse to sit behind.”

After faring well on the tough Pennsylvania Sire Stake circuit the colt was then shipped to Indiana Downs where he captured a $75,000 division of the Elevation Stake in 1:53.2. From there it was on to Lexington where Mystic Desire provided one of the most thrilling finishes of the Grand Circuit meet when he finished in a dead-heat for the win with Big Bad John while capturing a $129,000 division of the Bluegrass Stake, which had the fans on their feet throughout the entire stretch drive. The final time of 1:51.4 was a career best for Mystic Desire.

In his elimination score for driver Del Chupp last week Mystic Desire saved ground throughout the mile then exploded after finding racing room in the passing lane as he drew off to win by a widening four lengths in 1:53.2.

Mystic Desire will be paired with North America’s leading money winning driver, Tim Tetrick, who drove him in his Bluegrass victory as the colt looks to pick up his eighth win of the season on Saturday night.