Nyquist proves best in the Best Pal Stakes
Nyquist became a graded stakes winner in just his second start when he captured the Best Pal Stakes (G-2) in impressive fashion this afternoon at Del Mar.
Guided expertly by jockey Mario Gutierrez, Nyquist rated comfortably on the outside of his pace setting stablemate Found Money through a quarter in a sensible :22.82. Rounding the turn, Bistraya made a quick move on the rail to draft in behind Found Money, while Swipe sat behind Nyquist.
As they hit the half mile pole in :46.65, Nyquist loomed three wide and easily put away a tiring Found Money. The leggy bay son of leading freshman sire Uncle Mo opened up on the field with every lengthening stride, getting the six furlongs in 1:10.67 and flashing past the finish line under an easy hand ride to win by 5 ¼ lengths in 1:16.84. Swipe, racing a little greenly, got up for second a half length in front of Annie’s Candy. Bistraya finished fourth 4 ½ lengths behind Annie’s Candy.
The winning rider noted the change in his first mount in his second career start. "He was so green with what he was doing in his first start," said Gutierrez. "Now he's like a professional."
Nyquist, trained by Doug O’Neill, returned $4.00, $2.60, $2.40. Swipe paid $3.40, $2.40 for second and Annie’s Candy paid $3.00 for show. The $1.00 exacta paid $17.00, the $1.00 trifecta paid $15.10 and the $1 superfecta returned $136.50.
O'Neill has liked this one all along. "If he stays injury free he's got the mind of a champ," said O'Neill. When asked if the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity is next, the winning trainer responded, "I like the sound of it."
The colt’s dam Seeking Gabrielle is a half sister to three stakes placed runners and the stakes winner Seeking the Sky. That one bore Metropolitan Handicap hero Sahara Sky. Nyquist’s second through fourth dams are stakes winners.