Trainers Confident as Derby Approaches

Trainer Doug O'Neill believes versatility is a big advantage for Nyquist, who heads to the May 7 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) undefeated in seven starts.

Owned by Reddam Racing, Nyquist, a 3-year-old Uncle Mo   colt, has shown O'Neill what he wants to see in his works at Keeneland. Nyquist will work one more before the Derby April 29 at Keeneland about 45 minutes before the first race on the closing-day program.

"We've just been keeping him on track," O'Neill said April 26 during a national media teleconference. "We get a really good vibe from him. I've been in this long enough where you don't want to get too high or too low.

"The key has been keeping him happy and letting him put his feet where he wants to put them. We've been doing one thing with him (in his works), but we could probably do 10 other things with him and still have an amazing horse."

O'Neill noted Nyquist, who has been ridden by Mario Gutierrez in all of his starts, has won from the rail and post 12, has gone gate to wire, and has come from off the pace. His ability to adjust can come in handy in what is expected to be a 20-horse field for the Derby at Churchill Downs.

"Mario can call audibles if the race doesn't unfold perfectly," O'Neill said. "That's a big benefit."

Meanwhile, Kiaran McLaughlin, who trains Mohaymen for Shadwell Stable, said the Tapit   colt has rebounded nicely from his disappointing effort the Xpressbet.com Florida Derby (gr. I), which was won by Nyquist. Mohaymen had won his first five starts before the fourth-place finish at Gulfstream Park.

"We're going to draw a line through that effort even though he didn't run terribly," McLaughlin said. "We're better off now than we were then. And he has only had two bad minutes in his whole life."

Mohaymen has been based at Churchill for a few weeks, and McLaughlin said he's pleased with the way the colt has handled the surface in training.

Trainer Steve Asmussen, who will have Louisiana Derby and Risen Star Stakes (both gr. II) winner Gun Runner and Arkansas Derby (gr. I) winner Creator in the Derby, said he's confident on both fronts heading into the race.

"I feel good about how much life Gun Runner has been showing," Asmussen said of the Candy Ride   colt owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds and Three Chimneys Farm. "He's capable of attending the pace or at least not letting the pace get away from him."

As for WinStar Farm's Creator, by Tapit, Asmussen said the colt known for his come-from-behind style has progressed since his win at Oaklawn Park.

"I think we'll have a few more options with Creator than we've had in the past," he said.

The post-position draw for the Kentucky Derby will be held late in the afternoon of May 4.