Undefeated Nicky the Vest Likely Sidelined Until Summer

The undefeated New York-bred Nicky the Vest  came out of a final work for the $750,000 Wood Memorial Stakes Presented by Resorts World Casino (G2) with bone chips below his right knee and will likely be sidelined until summer, according to owner Robert LaPenta.

The son of Runhappy   had worked four furlongs in :48.48 March 27 at the Belmont Park training track, the third fastest of 173 works at that distance, to heighten expectations for his graded stakes debut in the April 3 Wood when trainer Jonathan Thomas noticed something was amiss.

"It was an incredible workout but Jonathan didn't think he finished the way he normally does. The next day we found a chip that's beginning to affect his knee and we have to take the chip out," LaPenta said. "It's devastating. I can't tell you how disappointed I am. He was going to be my Kentucky Derby (G1) horse, no doubt. I thought he could win the Wood and be on his way and it was dashed overnight."

LaPenta is hopeful Nicky the Vest will be ready for the Saratoga Race Course meet with an eye toward duplicating the success he enjoyed when Catholic Boy  , who was also trained by Thomas, won the 2018 Runhappy Travers Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1).

"He'll be back for the Saratoga meet and maybe we'll have a chance to win the Travers again. Our fingers are crossed," LaPenta said. "In this sport you're usually disappointed nine out of 10 times but he has amazing talent and ability and I can't wait to see him run again."

A winner of the Feb. 14 Gander Stakes for New York-breds at Aqueduct Racetrack by 11 3/4  lengths in his second and most recent start, Nicky the Vest was bred by Highclere out of the Cat Thief mare Tazarine. 

He was purchased for $110,000 by Insignia Bloodstock from the Stuart Morris consignment at the 2019 Ocala Breeders' Sales October Yearling Sale.