Nyquist, Songbird Prepping for 2016 Debuts

Undefeated Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I) winner Nyquist worked four furlongs on Santa Anita Park's fast main track Dec. 27 in preparation for his 3-year-old debut in the $200,000 San Vicente Stakes (gr. II) at seven furlongs Feb. 15.



"He worked great today," said Doug O'Neill, who conditions the son of Uncle Mo   for Reddam Racing. "He went (:48 2/5), just cruising. As long as he stays injury-free and El Niño doesn't come blasting through the door, we're on for the Feb. 15 race."



It the second drill for Nyquist since his Juvenile victory Oct. 31 at Keeneland. He covered three furlongs in :37 flat Dec. 19.



MITCHELL: Nyquist Kicks Clear in BC Juvenile Score



"His regular exercise rider, Johnny Garcia, was on him and he was all smiles," O'Neill added.



Beyond the San Vicente, O'Neill has a path to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) laid out.



"Timing-wise, after the San Vicente, the Florida Derby (gr. I) would be perfect, because it would be five weeks out before the big dance (the Kentucky Derby, May 7)," the trainer said. "In an ideal world, it would be the San Vicente, the Florida Derby, and the Kentucky Derby."



Nyquist's female counterpart, the undefeated Songbird, also worked at the Southern California racetrack Dec. 26, running three furlongs in :36 2/5 in her first breeze since a resounding 14 Hands Winery Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) score.



NOVAK: Songbird Scores in BC Juvenile Fillies



The daughter of Medaglia d'Oro   is pointing to the $200,000 Las Virgenes Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita Feb. 6, as long as weather doesn't intervene.



"Everything would have to go right with the weather," said Dan Ward, assistant to trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. "We can't miss anything."