Nyquist works for Pennsylvania Derby

DEL MAR, Calif. – Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist worked a mile in 1:45.80 at the San Luis Rey Downs training center in San Diego County on Saturday, his first major exercise for a fall campaign scheduled to start in the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby at Parx Racing on Sept. 24.

The workout was the first for Nyquist in August.

Nyquist has lost two starts since winning the Kentucky Derby on May 7, finishing third in the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on May 21 and fourth in the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park on July 31. Those are the only losses of his 10-race career.

Shortly after returning to California in early August, trainer Doug O’Neill opted to send Nyquist to San Luis Rey Downs to give the colt a quieter environment.

O’Neill said Nyquist has time for three additional workouts before the Pennsylvania Derby.

“He’s probably put on 50 pounds since the Haskell,” O’Neill said. “His soundness is good. His fitness is very good.”

At times this year, O’Neill has given Nyquist a combined gallop and workout over an extended distance. On Saturday, O’Neill said there was little emphasis on time for the workout.

“He had a good, accelerated gallop going a mile, with the thinking that if he got tired, we wouldn’t overdo it,” O’Neill said.

Owned by Paul and Zillah Reddam, Nyquist has won 8 of 10 starts and earned $5,179,200. Nyquist was the champion 2-year-old male of 2015.