Nyquist breezes for Derby; Land Over Sea works for Oaks

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Nyquist, the unbeaten champion and Kentucky Derby favorite, kicked off his serious preparation for the spring classic on Friday at Keeneland, breezing for the first time since winning the Florida Derby on April 2.

Keeneland clockers credited the colt and regular exercise rider Jonny Garcia with five furlongs in 1:02.60, with splits of 12.60 seconds, 24.80, and 37.20.

Trainer Doug O'Neill flew in from his California base to oversee the work for Nyquist, who has been under the care of top assistant Jack Sisterson since arriving at Keeneland on April 3. O'Neill, who said Thursday that he was essentially looking for a two-minute lick, timed Nyquist going a mile in 1:50, with the last half in 50 seconds.

"It was really exactly what we were looking to do," O'Neill said. "Just a good leg stretch, have him finish up stronger than he started. He went great, and he's cooling out super, so we're very happy."

This was the first of three planned Friday works for Nyquist at Keeneland before vanning to Churchill Downs the Saturday or Sunday before the Kentucky Derby on May 7.

"We'll huddle up on whether or not he needs company his last work, but I don't think he will," O'Neill said. "He was so good today, so willing, and galloped out strong, so I don't think he's gonna need company."

O'Neill added that Nyquist's blood work has been "perfect," showing no lingering signs of the elevated white blood cell count that kept him in the barn a few extra days last week.

Also working Friday was stablemate and Kentucky Oaks contender Land Over Sea, who was credited with five furlongs in 1:02.60. It was her first work since winning the Fair Grounds Oaks on March 26.

O’Neill caught the filly’s mile in 1:54, with her last half in 49.60.

“When he called on her, she picked it up,” O’Neill said.

Nyquist and Land Over Sea are both owned by Paul Reddam.