Baffert takes undefeated Nysos out of training for 30 days

Nysos, who is undefeated and widely regarded as the top 3-year-old Thoroughbred in the country, has been sidelined with no plans for when and where he may race next.

“Will be out of training,” trainer Bob Baffert said in a text message Tuesday, confirming what was reported first by Thoroughbred Daily News. “Tack walking for 30 days. No plans.”

Nysos is 5-2 futures favorite to win Preakness 2024.

Asked specifically whether anything was physically wrong with the Nyquist colt, Baffert said, “Fine.” He told TDN that the setback was “minor.”

Nysos was scratched the day before he was supposed to start March 3 at Santa Anita in the Grade 2 San Felipe, a race in which he would have been the odds-on favorite. At the time, Baffert said, “Going to wait for the Santa Anita Derby. I changed my mind. All good.”

The 30-day downshift means the Santa Anita Derby (G1) on April 6 is out for Nysos, who has not had a timed workout since Feb. 25.

Owned by Baoma Corp, Nysos has not raced since Feb. 3, when he won the Robert B. Lewis (G3) and earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 105, according to Daily Racing Form. He began his career with a maiden win Oct. 21 at Santa Anita and followed that with a victory Nov. 19 in the Bob Hope (G3) at Del Mar. Nysos has won his three races by an average of 8 3/4 lengths.

Since Baffert and, therefore, Nysos are ineligible to compete in Kentucky Derby 2024, the Preakness on May 18 has been seen as his main spring target. Nysos closed as the 5-2 betting favorite in the first Preakness Future Wager conducted between Feb. 29 and March 2 by 1/ST Racing.