Nyquist Can Regain Traction in Championship Race

Nyquist Can Regain Traction in Championship Race by Casey Laughter: When a horse wins the Kentucky Derby to remain undefeated, that is not something to ignore. This horse, however, performed subpar compared to his previous form in both the Preakness Stakes and Haskell Invitational. Where does that leave him?

Nyquist has been working steady one-mile distances since August 27, each work getting faster and faster. His first work back after the Haskell went up in 1:45.80. His most recent work, on September 17, went up in 1:38.20. Nyquist had a short time off to get some must needed maturing and growing in, but now, he seems back to his old self, or so it would appear.

Nyquist is targeting the Grade II Pennsylvania Derby, where he will take on Exaggerator, the horse who defeated him in their last two meetings, Gun Runner, an impressive colt who won the Louisiana Derby and the Matt Winn Stakes, and Cupid, a maturing and improving Bob Baffert trainee. These will be the big four attracting most of the attention. Other probable contenders include Summer Revolution, Awesome Slew, and Hit It Once More.

If Nyquist can win the Pennsylvania Derby in his comeback, which won’t be an easy task, he will reenter as the main focus for the Champion 3-Year-Old Male discussion. Right now, many believe Exaggerator is the main focus right now, after winning some major races this year, and having a second place finish in the Kentucky Derby.

The Pennsylvania Derby will likely be the final prep race for the three-year-old son on Uncle Mo, who will be targeting the Breeders’ Cup Classic. If Nyquist can achieve a top placing in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, he can easily snag his second Championship title. However, if he catches a sloppy track in his next two races, don’t get too excited. He has proven he is certainly not a fan of a track deemed sloppy or wet.