Nyquist, Beholder record moves at Santa Anita

Edited Press Release

Santa Anita’s “Winter Meet of Champions” showcased a pair of them on Friday when Nyquist and Beholder each worked toward future engagements.

Undefeated champion Nyquist is headed for the Florida Derby (G1) on April 2 at Gulfstream Park and three-time Eclipse Award winner Beholder is targeting Vanity (G1) on June 4 at Santa Anita.

Nyquist recorded an official work of five furlongs over Santa Anita’s fast main track in 1:01.40 under exercise rider Jonny Garcia but trainer Doug O’Neill had a one-mile clocking for the Uncle Mo colt.

“I got him in 1:46 and change and the last eighth in :11 and three,” said O’Neill, who plans to ship the bay to Florida on March 28 for a highly anticipated throw-down with the unbeaten Mohaymen.

Beholder was caught in :48.40 when going a half-mile at Santa Anita on Friday after the 7:45 a.m. (PT) renovation break.

“This is the first time I’ve been on her (to work this year),” said Gary Stevens, the six-year-old mare’s regular rider. “But I’ve been watching her work.

“She looks different, she feels different, she’s stronger, smarter. (Trainer Richard Mandella) wanted her to go :48 and change, she went in :48 and two, galloped out (five furlongs) in a minute, and out three-quarters in (1:)15, pulling up, so she’s coming along good.

“She’s happy, I’m happy. She made my day.”

Mandella has mentioned the June 4 Vanity as a starting point for Beholder but subsequently left the door open for a start prior to the Vanity.

“I couldn’t be happier with how she’s going,” the conditioner said. “She couldn’t be doing better. I had her going a half in :48 and galloping out (five furlongs) in a minute and four-fifths.”

A race before the Vanity that might fit the bill for the Henny Hughes mare would be the Adoration (G3) 1 1/16 miles on May 8.

“We’ll just see how it’s going,” Mandella said. “We’ll see what’s up.”

Nyquist and Beholder photos courtesy of Benoit Photos