Nyquist nears return to training

ARCADIA, Calif. – Nyquist, the undefeated winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland on Oct. 31 and a top contender for the 2016 Triple Crown, will resume light training in coming days, said trainer Doug O’Neill.

Nyquist has been based at O’Neill’s Santa Anita stable in recent weeks and has been hand-walked up to three times a day. On Sunday, O’Neill said Nyquist will be tack-walked at the barn this week and may not be far from a return to racetrack training.

“We’ll tack-walk for a few days, and if he starts trying to throw off [exercise rider Johnny Garcia], we’ll take him to the track,” said O’Neill. “He’s a happy horse, and we’re in no hurry to get things going.”

Nyquist, who races for Paul and Zillah Reddam, has won five starts and earned $1,613,600. O’Neill said Nyquist is likely to have two races before the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 7.

Options during the Santa Anita winter-spring meeting include the $150,000 Robert Lewis Stakes on Feb. 6, the $200,000 San Vicente Stakes on Feb. 15, the $400,000 San Felipe Stakes on March 12, and the $1 million Santa Anita Derby on April 9.

“I’ve got to huddle up with Team Reddam,” said O’Neill.