Mystic Guide looks sharp on comeback in G3 Razorback Handicap

Mystic Guide enjoyed the perfect start to his four-year-old campaign with a dominant victory in the extended-mile G3 Razorback Handicap at Oaklawn Park, USA, on Saturday, 27 February.

On a very sloppy track, all seven runners shunned the inside rail, with top-weight Mystic Guide disputing second early on before settling in a close fifth on the outside of the field after the first quarter-mile.

Last year’s G2 Jim Dandy Stakes winner moved up to dispute third for Luis Saez with half a mile to race before quickening well to press for the lead at the top of the straight.

Mystic Guide soon asserted over his rivals and stormed further clear inside the final furlong, opening up a six-length advantage at the line.

The Michael Stidham-trained colt has yet to finish out of the frame in seven career starts and ended his three-year-old season with a rallying second in the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park in October.

Dan Pride, Chief Operating Officer of Godolphin USA, said: “Mystic Guide powered home. It was the first time he has run on this surface and the first time he has run since October, so you never know really what to expect.

“Michael and [assistant trainer] Hilary have been bragging on him all winter in New Orleans and he certainly showed up today big time.

“We are excited about him. He has matured the way you hoped a three-year-old to four-year-old would. He didn’t run his first race until mid-February last year and he really bloomed over the summer.

“The Jim Dandy was a big step forward for him and the Jockey Club Gold Cup was another big effort. We are very excited about what this year holds.”