Nyquist Schools in Paddock, Gate

Reddam Racing’s Nyquist jogged two miles and was schooled in the paddock and gate May 16 at Pimlico Race Course in preparation for his quest for the second leg of the Triple Crown in Saturday’s 141st Preakness Stakes (gr. I).

The Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner walked in the paddock under exercise rider Jonny Garcia, stopping to stand calmly in a stall during a drama-free schooling session. He subsequently schooled in the starting gate.

“He was great. He was just a true professional. He walked through the paddock and acted like he’d been there before,” trainer Doug O’Neill said. “He went from the paddock to the gate. … He schooled super in there. We’re just really happy. It was a really good morning.”

O'Neill said Nyquist has the temperament to handle the Preakness crowds and a festive atmosphere as well as he has handled his competition thus far during his undefeated career.

“He’s undefeated winning five grade I’s on five different tracks. He’s a very special horse. He continues to show that on a daily basis,” O’Neill said. “We’ve been blessed with a lot of good horses, but he’s by far the best horse we’ve ever had. He’s got a lot of energy and you see it in the afternoon when he competes. But he conserves his energy in the paddock and around the barn area around here. He sleeps a lot in his stall. He’s got the perfect combination for a top race horse.”

Jockey Mario Gutierrez, O’Neill, and Reddam Racing will be seeking their second Preakness success Saturday, teaming with 2012 Kentucky Derby winner I’ll Have Another for a triumph in the second leg of the Triple Crown.

“I think the relationship all starts with Paul and Zilla Reddam of Reddam Racing. Paul is so loyal. What Paul has shown Mario and I—and all his trainers—is that he will always have your back. I think that’s helped Mario and I through slumps, knowing that Reddam Racing isn’t going to fire you,” O’Neill said. “It all starts with Paul the way he leads us. Mario continues to just show up in these big races. He’s incredible.”

A son of Uncle Mo  , Nyquist is to remain on his schedule of alternating jogs and gallops throughout Preakness Week. He is slated to gallop Tuesday, jog Wednesday, gallop Thursday, and jog Friday.