Santa Anita showcased a pair of champions Friday, when Nyquist (Uncle Mo) and Beholder (Henny Hughes) worked towards future engagements. The former is preparing for the GI Xpressbet.com Florida Derby Apr. 2 and the latter is pointing for the GI Vanity S. June 4.
Nyquist went five furlongs on the Santa Anita's worktab in 1:01.40 under exercise rider Johnny Garcia, but trainer Doug O'Neill had a one-mile clocking for his undefeated 3-year-old colt.
“I got him in 1:46 and change and the last eighth in :11 and three,” said O'Neill, who ships the bay, owned by Paul and Zillah Reddam, to Florida for a highly anticipated throw-down with the unbeaten Kiaran McLaughlin-trained Mohaymen (Tapit) Mar. 28.
Beholder, meanwhile, was timed in :48.80 (9/42) for a four-furlong breeze after the 7:45 a.m. renovation break.
“I couldn't be happier with how she's going,” trainer Richard Mandella 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.”
Regular rider Gary Stevens added, “This is the first time I've been on her [to work this year], but I've been watching her work. She looks different, she feels different, she's stronger, smarter. She's happy, I'm happy. She made my day.”
A race before the Vanity that might fit the bill for the 6-year-old daughter of Henny Hughes would be the GIII Adoration S. at 1 1/16 miles May 8.
“We'll just see how it's going,” Mandella said. “We'll see what's up.”
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