Nyquist (Uncle Mo) continued preparations for his expected sophomore debut in the Feb. 15 GII San Vicente S. with a six-furlong work at Santa Anita Sunday in 1:15.60. Exercise rider Jonny Garcia was in the irons.
“Jonny and all of us are happy with where Nyquist is right now,” trainer Doug O'Neill said of the unbeaten juvenile champion. “We just have to keep him injury-free and that's why his groom, Elias [Anaya], who is brilliant, earns the big bucks. He does a great job with him and keeps the horse happy.”
O'Neill's brother, bloodstock agent Dennis O'Neill, added, “Nyquist was going in a two-minute gallop with Donworth before he broke off for the work, so technically, it was three-quarters, but he galloped a lot before he broke off to get some wind in him. He went great.”
Stakes-winning 'TDN Rising Star' Donworth (Tiznow), a $550,000 acquisition at last year's Keeneland November sale, got a six-furlong time of 1:13.80. Second in the GIII Coolmore Lexington S., he has been off since an 11-length romp in the June 20 Stanton S. at Delaware Park while running for Regis Racing.
Also pointing for the San Vicente, GIII Delta Jackpot S. winner Exaggerator (Curlin) worked seven furlongs in 1:25.80 at Santa Anita Saturday.
“It was his best one since the Delta Jackpot,” reported jockey Kent Desormeaux, aboard for the work. “We're ready to go.”
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