Nyquist works toward Florida Derby

ARCADIA, Calif. – A half-mile workout Thursday morning at Santa Anita by Nyquist moved the undefeated 3-year-old colt one step closer to an early-season showdown against undefeated Mohaymen in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on April 2 at Gulfstream Park.

Nyquist worked a half-mile Thursday in 48.80 under regular exercise rider Jonny Garcia. It was the colt’s first work since winning the Grade 2, seven-furlong San Vicente Stakes in his first start of the season on Feb. 15.

“He worked great,” trainer Doug O'Neill said. “He had a real good gallop into the work, and he galloped out good. It was a routine work. He gallops so good on a regular basis.”

O’Neill will train Nyquist at Santa Anita leading to the Florida Derby, and ship him the week of the race. “All his works will be here, and after his last work he will catch a plane," O'Neill said. "Ideally it would five or six days out; it could four days or it could be seven days.”

Though he has won six races, including the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland, and earned the Eclipse Award as outstanding 2-year-old male of 2015, Nyquist could be second betting choice behind Mohaymen in the Florida Derby.

Mohaymen has won all five of his starts, including the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes on Feb. 27 at Gulfstream.

“We’re excited," O'Neill said. "We’re happy to be the underdog. After watching [Mohaymen] the other day, you can tell he’s the Derby favorite.”

Nyquist is owned by J. Paul Reddam; his rider is Mario Gutierrez. Sired by Uncle Mo, Nyquist has earned $1,733,600.