Nyquist Injured, Out of Breeders' Cup Classic

Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Nyquist   will not run in the Nov. 5 Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I).

The multiple grade I winner exited an Oct. 27 workout at Santa Anita Park with a "puffy ankle," according to a media release from trainer Doug O'Neill.

"Though Nyquist is 100% sound and X-rays are clean, the timing unfortunately precludes us from the dream of having him run in the Breeders' Cup Classic in our own backyard," the release said. "Nyquist has had many supporters since his 2-year-old season and we want to thank all of the fans that have cheered him on."

In that Oct. 27 work, Nyquist and jockey Mario Gutierrez had work to do to catch stablemate Ralis, as the Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. IT) hopeful broke off early and moved at least a dozen lengths ahead. Nyquist was still able to close much of the gap and hit the wire about a half-length in front of Ralis, earning a seven-furlong time of 1:27 2/5.

Reddam Racing's 2-year-old champion of 2015 was coming off a sixth-place finish in the Sept. 24 Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) and has not won since his Derby score, running third in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) and fourth in the Betfair.com Haskell Invitational (gr. I). Plans call for him to enter stud at Darley when his career is done; O'Neill told BloodHorse he is not 100% sure whether the colt will be retired or race again.

Alicia Wincze-Hughes contributed to this report.