Nyquist Back on the Worktab

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.