Nyquist works five furlongs for San Vicente

ARCADIA, Calif. - Nyquist, the undefeated champion 2-year-old male of 2015, was pronounced ready for the start of his 3-year-old season in the $200,000 San Vicente Stakes on Feb. 15 after a five-furlong workout in 59.38 seconds at Santa Anita on Sunday.

The Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes at seven furlongs will be the first start for Nyquist since he clinched the division championship with a win in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland on Oct. 31.

Sunday, Nyquist worked 45 minutes before the first race and was ridden by regular jockey Mario Gutierrez. Working in company with the 4-year-old Bad Read Sanchez, Nyquist trailed by a half-length at the start of the workout and by a length after a furlong.

On the turn, Nyquist slowly cut into the margin and was in front of Bad Read Sanchez with more than a furlong to go. Nyquist finished several lengths in front of Bad Read Sanchez, who was timed in 1:00.20.

Nyquist ran the first half-mile in 47.16 seconds, and galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.

“It was a lung-opener,” trainer Doug O’Neill said. “He got some competition in his work. He’s been breezing by himself. He should be ready to go.”

O’Neill timed the workout in a slightly quicker 58.80 seconds.

Owned by Paul and Zillah Reddam, Nyquist is unbeaten in five starts. He won four consecutive stakes from early August to late October. The BC Juvenile is his most recent start.

By Uncle Mo, Nyquist has earned $1,613,600. The San Vicente will be Nyquist’s first start in a one-turn race since a win by 3 3/4 lengths in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity last September.

Other candidates for the Grade 2 San Vicente include Denman’s Call, El Charro, Exaggerator, Sheikh of Sheikhs, and Toews On Ice.

The race lost a probable starter on Sunday when Rockin Bayou suffered a leg injury while exercising and was euthanized.

Rockin Bayou was fourth in the Del Mar Futurity, and was a game second in an optional claimer here on Jan. 3 in his only subsequent start.