Few appear willing to challenge Nyquist in San Vicente

ARCADIA, Calif. – Nyquist, the champion 2-year-old male of 2015, is likely to have few rivals when he makes his 3-year-old debut in the $200,000 San Vicente Stakes at seven furlongs Feb. 15.

Nyquist has not raced since winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland on Oct. 31. His rivals in the Grade 2 San Vicente are likely to include Exaggerator, who won the Delta Downs Jackpot in Louisiana last November; Denman’s Call, a maiden-race winner in his debut Jan. 9; and Rockin Bayou, a game second in an optional claimer at 6 1/2 furlongs on Jan. 3.

Trainer Bob Baffert said on Friday that he expects to have a starter in the San Vicente but has not finalized plans. On Friday, Baffert worked Toews On Ice six furlongs in 1:14.20. Toews On Ice won the Grade 3 Bob Hope Stakes at Del Mar in November but was sixth in the Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park on Jan. 18 in his most recent start.

Two other Southern California-based 3-year-olds – Go Long and Mr. Coker – are more likely to start in the $200,000 El Camino Real Derby at 1 1/8 miles at Golden Gate Fields on Feb. 13, their trainers said.

Go Long, trained by Keith Desormeaux, won a $50,000 claimer at a mile Jan. 22. Mr. Coker, trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, won a maiden race at 6 1/2 furlongs on Jan. 18.