Nyquist's BC Work Less Than Ideal

Nyquist  's two-turn workout Oct. 27 in preparation for the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) didn't start off as planned, but trainer Doug O'Neill was ultimately OK with how the Uncle Mo   colt immediately came out of the work—covered in dirt.

With Mario Gutierrez aboard Nyquist and exercise rider Jonny Garcia on Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. IT) hopeful Ralis, both owned by Reddam Racing, the pair first backtracked then made its way to the Santa Anita Park stretch to start the work. But Ralis broke off early and moved at least a dozen lengths ahead of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner.

Nyquist was still able to close much of the gap in the backstretch, moved by on the rail entering the stretch, and hit the wire about a half-length in front of Ralis. Santa Anita clockers gave Nyquist a seven-furlong workout time of 1:27 2/5, while Ralis received a six-furlong clocking in 1:18 flat.

"What do they say? You make a plan and God laughs?" said O'Neill, who was visibly frustrated during the workout. "The plan was for them to be a lot closer at the start, but Mario made up a lot of ground."

What seemed to cheer up the trainer was Nyquist walking back to the barn area with dirt up to his chest.

"He's covered with a lot of dirt, so it's kinda like a racing (situation)," O'Neill said. "The track does seem heavy and safe. We had one morning where we had a little sprinkle, and it was tighter and quicker, but for the most part it's had a good cushion and horses are getting a good blow from their works."

The other Classic runner who worked out during the final main-track session was Win the Space (six furlongs, 1:13 1/5). Rounding out the late-session Breeders' Cup works was Texas Ryano (Turf, five furlongs in 1:00 4/5).