Nyquist stays unbeaten with Best Pal victory

DEL MAR, Calif. – Owner Paul Reddam grew up in Windsor, Ontario, just across the river from Detroit, and he’s been a life-long fan of the Detroit Red Wings. This year, he has named several of his 2-year-olds after members of the hockey team, and the best of them, Nyquist, skated to the top of the local male division Saturday with a runaway victory in the Grade 2, $200,250 Best Pal Stakes at Del Mar.

Nyquist, named for Swedish right wing Gustav Nyquist, romped to a 5 1/4-length victory in the Best Pal to remain unbeaten after two starts. Swipe finished second, a half-length in front of Annie’s Candy.

Bistraya was fourth and was followed in order by Found Money and Paynes Prairie in the field of six.

Nyquist ($4), the favorite, covered 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:16.84 and came home the final five-sixteenths in about 30 seconds in a race that unfolded with very little pace.

Nyquist always was in contention and got a comfortable outside-stalking trip under Mario Gutierrez. He kicked clear with authority in upper stretch and rolled home much the best.

“The barn has been excited about him since he came in,” said Reddam, who spent $400,000 at Fasig-Tipton in Florida in March to acquire Nyquist. “I’m glad these guys weren’t BS-ing. It’s all I’ve heard the last 10 weeks.”

Nyquist is trained by Doug O’Neill. He and Reddam teamed to win the Graduation Stakes on Wednesday with Mrazek, a California-bred named after Red Wings goalie Petr Mrazek. Nyquist was recommended to Reddam by O’Neill’s brother, Dennis, and another bloodstock agent, Jamie McCalmont.

“It’s not often they agree,” Reddam said.

O’Neill and Reddam said the Grade 1, $300,000 Del Mar Futurity on closing day, Sept. 7, would be next for Nyquist. He is 2 for 2 so far, having won his debut June 5. He’ll be going for a hat trick in the futurity.