Preakness 2016: Nyquist Arrives at Pimlico For Second Jewel
Kentucky Derby 142 winner Nyquist arrived at Pimlico in the same way the first jewel of the Triple Crown started… late. Post Time for the Kentucky Classic was scheduled for 6:34pm, it went off at 6:51pm. Nyquist’s ETA at Old Hilltop was 4:00pm – 5:00pm, he exited the horse van at 6:17pm.
Travelling with six (6) other four-legged athletes from the Doug O’Neill barn, including Kentucky Oaks runner-up Land Over Sea, Nyquist was looking fresh and alert as he was led to the auxilury stakes barn. Instead of continuing into the barn, his groom stopped, wheeled the Derby winner around to circle back along the wood-chip walkway for a curtain call, giving the few dozen members of the media and Maryland Jockey Club employees who formed the welcoming committee, an extended photo session.
Arriving twelve days before the 141st running of the Preakness Stakes had nothing to do with Nyquist’s temperament, explained assistant trainer Jack Sisterston, “It worked with I’ll Have Another and the thing with Nyquist is that he’s so mentally prepared for anything you put in front of him, we’re going to do the same thing.”
Preparation for the second jewel of the Triple Crown will not include a formal workout, added Sisterston, “(Nyquist) will just walk (under shedrow) tomorrow (Tuesday, May 10) then as he’s done his whole career jogs one day and gallops the next.”
It appears that the undefeated Uncle Mo colt has not scared off any of his competition as various reports have up to 16 rivals interested in competing for the blanket of Black-Eyed Susans which carries a purse of $1.5 million. Using NFL terminology, in addition to Nyquist there are…
… 8 Probables: Exaggerator, Laoban, Cherry Wine, Dazzling Gem, Collected, Awesome Speed, Stradivari, Uncle Lino
… 6 Questionable: Gun Runner, Suddenbreakingnews, Brody’s Cause, Creator, Sharp Azteca, Fellowship
... 1 Doubtful: Adventist (will likely run in the Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont on Saturday, May 14th)