Behind the Oklahoma Training Track is where thoroughbred trainer Kenny McPeek has made a home in Saratoga.

“We’re kind of where we belong,” McPeek said. “We love it up here in Saratoga.”

What You Need To Know

  • Mystik Dan will run in the Grade 1 $2 million Belmont Stakes on Saturday

  • Thorpedo Anna will be saddled for the Grade 1 $500,000 Acorn Stakes on Friday

  • Kenny McPeek is seeking his second careerk Belmont Stakes win

Each morning, McPeek and his dog, Sonny, closely watch each thoroughbred as they gallop on by, particularly a pair of 3-year-olds.

“You win races of that level on the same weekend, it was crazy fun,” he said.

At Churchill Downs last month, McPeek won his first Kentucky Oaks with Thorpedo Anna. The following day, he won his first Kentucky Derby with Mystik Dan.

“Definitely a lifelong dream,” McPeek said. “I always thought I could win the Derby, but to actually pull it off was, I don't know if I'd call it a relief or not, but certainly a career high.”

The win completes the American Triple Crown individually for the Kentucky native. McPeek also became the first trainer since 1952 to win both the Derby and the Oaks in the same year.

“You got to be lucky when you win the Derby — a lot's got to go right,” he said. “And you've got to have certainly a very good horse. And we fortunately got a great ride by Brian Hernandez. So it all came together.”

McPeek now hoping to keep the good times rolling into June with the Belmont Stakes next up on the schedule.

The filly will be saddled for the Grade 1 $500,000 Acorn Stakes on Friday, while the colt will run in the Grade 1 $2 million Test of Champion on Saturday.

“We've got a real exciting month ahead of us,” McPeek said.