Baoma Corp.'s 'TDN Rising Star' Nysos (Nyquist) breezed a half-mile in :48 flat (10/32) Monday morning at Santa Anita, his first move since being scratched from an expected appearance in the GI Pacific Classic on Aug. 30. According to a text from trainer Bob Baffert to TDN's Sue Finley, the colt's Breeders' Cup target remains a bit up in the air.
“He breezed today, pointing to [Dirt] Mile,” he texted. “I could change my mind between now and then. The [Dirt] Mile probably more realistic right now. Was hoping to make the Classic.”
He added that the Sprint could also still be in play.
The 4-year-old returned from a 15-month absence to dead-heat for second behind 'Rising Star' Mindframe (Constitution) in a high-class renewal of the GI Churchill Downs Stakes on May 3, returned to California and romped to a 5 1/2-length victory in the GIII Triple Bend Stakes four weeks later. With the Pacific Classic in mind, Nysos was the 1-10 favorite for the GII San Diego Handicap on July 26, but was scratched with a hind foot bruise on the morning of the Del Mar centerpiece, which was also set to include 'Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light) and GI Preakness Stakes and GI Haskell Stakes hero Journalism (Curlin). Fierceness proved a decisive 3 1/4-length winner.
In the immediate aftermath of the scratching, Baffert indicated that Nysos would be rerouted for the GI Goodwood Stakes at Santa Anita, but the colt was ultimately not nominated. The nine-furlong Goodwood, a Breeders' Cup Challenge race for the Classic, was to be drawn Monday.
Work of the Day from @santaanitapark—Nysos worked 4 Furlongs in 48.00 on September 22nd, 2025, for trainer Bob Baffert. pic.twitter.com/MWpgY3ajXD
— 1/ST TV (@Watch1ST) September 22, 2025
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