Florida Derby next for Nyquist

ARCADIA, Calif. – Nyquist came out of his victory on Monday in the San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita in good order and will target the Grade 1, $1 million Florida Derby at Gulfstream on April 2 for his final prep for the May 7 Kentucky Derby, trainer Doug O’Neill said Tuesday morning.

Nyquist, the champion 2-year-old male of last year, remained perfect in six starts with his victory in the San Vicente, in which he earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 100.

“That’s the kind of race we wanted to see to go to the Florida Derby,” O’Neill said. “I’m pretty certain that’s where he’ll go.”

The Florida Derby appeals to O’Neill because it is five weeks out from the Kentucky Derby, and both he and owner Paul Reddam are desirous of trying for a $1-million bonus for winning the race. Nyquist is eligible for the bonus because he was purchased from the Fasig-Tipton 2-year-old in training sale last year.

“He looks phenomenal this morning,” O’Neill said. “We jogged him down the shedrow and he looks great. Life is pretty good today. He put in the performance we were hoping for.”

Nyquist, by Uncle Mo, won all five of his starts last year, including the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. The San Vicente was his first start since the Breeders’ Cup 3 1/2 months prior.

Exaggerator, who finished second to Nyquist, also came out of the race in good condition, according to trainer Keith Desormeaux. He will make his next start on March 12 at Santa Anita in the Grade 2, $400,000 San Felipe Stakes, a 1 1/16-mile race that is shaping up as one of the best of the Kentucky Derby prep season thus far.

In addition to Exaggerator, other top 3-year-olds pointing for the San Felipe include two-time stakes winner Mor Spirit, impressive allowance winner Danzing Candy, and the unbeaten Smokey Image.

“He looks great,” Desormeaux said Tuesday.

Exaggerator was making his first start of the year. He completed his 2-year-old campaign by capturing the Delta Downs Jackpot. He also was fourth to Nyquist last year in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.