Kentucky Derby favorite Nyquist takes a twice-around jog

Edited press release from Churchill Downs

Reddam Racing’s Nyquist stretched his legs Monday morning at Churchill Downs, jogging twice around five days in front of his date with destiny in the 142nd Kentucky Derby (G1).

The Uncle Mo colt moved out from Barn 41 with regular exercise rider Jonny Garcia attached in time to take advantage of the special 8:30-8:45 (EDT) training period reserved for Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks horses. He went trackside with a pony handled by trainer Doug O’Neill assistant Jack Sisterson.

Among the stable crew on board to take in the activity was O’Neill’s chief assistant, Leandro Mora, who had flown in from the stable base in Southern California on Sunday.

“Love to be where the action is,” Mora said, “and this is the place.”

The O’Neill stable has horses in six stakes Friday and Saturday. On Friday they’ll run Jeremy’s Legacy in the $150,000 Edgewood (G3), Guns Loaded in the $150,000 Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G3) and Land Over Sea in the $1 million Kentucky Oaks (G1). On Saturday they’ll go for the $250,000 Pat Day Mile (G3) with Ralis, the $300,000 American Turf (G2) with Frank Conversation and, of course, the $2 million Kentucky Derby with Nyquist.

“I think we’ve got legitimate chances in every race we’re in,” O’Neill said. “That’s fun when you believe you’re live like this.”

O’Neill also indicated that Nyquist would return to galloping Tuesday, a routine he’ll likely follow right up to the Run for the Roses.

Nyquist photo courtesy Rickelle Nelson/Horsephotos.com.