Belmont Stakes 2024: Mystik Dan can rally into contested pace
Read this articleNyquist Returns in Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes
While not a part of the official Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifying points system, the Grade 2 $200,000 San Vicente February 15 at Gulfstream features at least one serious candidate for The Run for the Roses as the undefeated Breeders Cup Juvenile champion Nyquist makes his 2016 debut in the seven furlong event against five rivals.
The Doug O’Neill trainee is the deserving 4/5 morning line favorite and has worked forwardly for his return after posting a perfect 5 for 5 mark as a two-year old that included three consecutive grade 1 victories in the Del Mar Futurity, FrontRunner and BC Juvenile to finish the stellar campaign. For good measure, Nyquist also won the Grade 2 Best Pal in his second career start. He’s been equally effective at one turn as he was at two and is strictly the one to beat when the gates open on President’s Day in Arcadia. Regular jockey Mario Gutierrez will be in the irons breaking from the rail.
Brothers team up with Exaggerator
The Desormeaux brothers – Kent the rider and Keith the trainer – will team up once again to send Exaggerator to post as the 5/2 second choice. The steady colt posted three wins in six starts as a juvenile, notably winning the Grade 3 Delta Jackpot and Grade 2 Saratoga Special. The son of Curlin seems a lock to surpass $1 million in career earnings as he currently has banked $983,120.
Ward's colt can land share
Sheikh of Sheikhs (6/1) may have trouble classing up with the top two, but the Wesley Ward trainee is no stranger to graded stakes events where the colts finished third in the Grade Hutcheson Stakes last out.
Leave a comment