Nyquist takes in jog around Old Hilltop
Nyquist returned to the track Wednesday morning for the first time since scoring an impressive triumph in last Saturday's Kentucky Derby (G1), acquainting himself with the Pimlico racing surface during a once-around jog in the company of a pony.
Nyquist, who is undefeated in eight career starts, is slated to continue his Triple Crown quest in the 141st Preakness on May 21.
"Nyquist jogged great this morning. He continues to put big smiles on all of the guys' faces in the barn," said trainer Doug O'Neill's assistant Jack Sisterson, who supervised the morning exercise atop the pony that escorted Nyquist during his leisurely jog.
Nyquist, who arrived at Pimlico from Churchill Downs Monday, went to the track at 8:30 a.m. (EDT) following the renovation break. The son of Uncle Mo was ridden by Amir Cedeno, who subbed for regular exercise rider Jonny Garcia. Garcia is scheduled to reunite with the Derby winner Thursday morning (8:30) for a planned twice-around jog.
"We just wanted to see him move efficiently, and he did everything and more that we wanted to see this morning," Sisterson said. "It's like our own little training center. It's great. It's quiet out there. Our horses out there had their ears pricked taking it all in. It was really nice out there."
The first Preakness candidate on the grounds, Nyquist was followed on the track Wednesday morning by Land Over Sea, the runner-up in last Friday's Kentucky Oaks (G1) who is being pointed to the Black-Eyed Susan (G2) for three-year-old fillies on May 20.
"She did great also. We're very pleased with the way she came out of the Oaks," Sisterson said.
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