Nyquist Draws Off in Best Pal Stakes

Reddam Racing's Nyquist built off his debut success to win the $200,000 Best Pal Stakes (gr. II) Aug. 8 at Del Mar.



The 2-year-old son of Uncle Mo   stalked Doug O'Neill stablemate Found Money early on, surged three wide to his outside, and drew off to win by 5 1/4 lengths, ahead of Swipe in second and Annie's Candy, a half-length back in third.

"I think it's safe to say he stays No. 1 of our 2-year-olds," O'Neill said. "Physically and mentally, he's the best. But you never know, things can change so quickly, good and bad, for 2-year-olds. If he stays injury free, he's got the mind of a champ."



Found Money, also owned by Reddam Racing, set fractions of :22.82 and :46.65 through a half-mile, as Nyquist sat to his outside and 42-1 longshot Bistraya challenged on the rail, but it was clear who was best as they exited the turn. Nyquist hit the wire in 1:16.84 under Mario Gutierrez in the 6 1/2-furlong Pest Pal, the first graded 2-year-old stakes in Southern California this year.

"(I got a) good trip today and he handled himself well," Gutierrez said. "I don't know if this is the best 2-year-old I've been on this year, but he's surely my favorite. I was on him right from the start. I worked him his first quarter-mile, and to see how he's grown—he was so green, with no idea what he was doing when we first started.

"Now he's like a professional. He does it right. Horses like this are special—just so much fun to be part of."



Nyquist paid $4, $2.60, and $2.40 across the board. Swipe brought $3.40 and $2.40. Annie's Candy, who was just a head behind Nyquist in his debut win June 5 at Santa Anita Park, delivered $3 to show.



Bred in Kentucky by Summerhill Farm, Nyquist was a $400,000 purchase at the Fasig-Tipton Florida 2015 selected 2-year-olds in training sale.



Bistraya finished fourth, followed by Found Money and Paynes Prairie, who had trouble leaving the gate and was eased in the turn.