MYSTIC LAKE - Minaret Stakes 2026 - Photo: Gonzalo Anteliz Jr.
In the $125,000, 6-furlong Minaret Stakes for older fillies and mares, favored 5-year-old Florida-bred mare Mystic Lake broke on top and turned her speed up a notch after being headed briefly on the turn for home by longshot Sandy’s Garden, powering to a 7 ½-length victory from late-running Summer’s Comin. Admiral Hopper finished third.
The 6-5 second choice Ms. Bucchero, who had defeated Mystic Lake on Dec. 20 at Gulfstream Park in the Sugar Swirl Stakes, lost all chance after hopping at the start and finished fifth.
The fleet-footed Mystic Lake, who departed from the inside post with reigning two-time Eclipse Champion Jockey Flavien Prat in the irons, went right to the front and used her considerable speed to set fast fractions of 22.41 for the quarter-mile, 45.58 for the half and 57.63 for 5 furlongs before crossing the wire in 1:10.34 on the fast track. She drew off through the lane while widening her margin with every stride.
Now 12-for-22 lifetime, first-place money of $77,500 raised her career bankroll to $1,537,517. Mystic Lake is owned by Miller Racing, BAG Racing Stables and Stefania Farms and trained by Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
“She broke very sharp and I felt like I was traveling well throughout, and she sure made a good run,” said Prat, who gave Mystic Lake a little breather on the turn for home and was rewarded with an explosive stretch kick. “I felt like I had horse underneath me, but the first quarter-mile was quite quick and I just wanted to give her a chance.”
That apparently was all Mystic Lake wanted, too.
“I thought she was more fit than last time (the Sugar Swirl),” Joseph said. “She is 3-for-3 now at Tampa and has been a model of consistency. You’re always concerned if she is going to kick in, but when she kicks in you feel pretty good.”
Mystic Lake paid $3.40 to win.
Unedited Press Release by Tampa Bay Downs
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