Reddam Racing's GI Kentucky Derby hero Nyquist (Uncle Mo) had his first work since finishing third in the May 21 GI Preakness S. Friday morning at Santa Anita, covering a half-mile in :48.60 (15/32).
Hitting the track shortly after 7:00 a.m. with exercise rider Jonny Garcia aboard, the Eclipse winner clocked his first quarter in :24.60 and galloped out five furlongs in 1:02 flat.
“It was kind of a medium gallop out, kind of a two-minute lick gallop out,” O'Neill said. “I got him in 48 and two (fifths). I'm very happy right now, but a lot will depend on how he cools out and what Jonny says. He looked good to me. I think it was a good first step back. I was very happy.”
Originally being pointed at the June 11 GI Belmont S., the bay was removed from Belmont consideration after spiking a fever which resulted in a high white blood count just days after the Preakness. He spent some time recovering in Baltimore and returned to California last Sunday.
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