Nyquist Best in Class for 2016
Nyquist proved he’s the best in his class as he wins the 142 running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday in impressive fashion.
Breaking from post position 13 in the field of 20, Nyquist had all the speed he needed to get into the race from the start and cruise down the backside in the catbird seat no worse than third behind Danzing Candy and Gun Runner.
As expected Danzing Candy breaking from post 20 under Mike Smith and set all the early fractions before tiring as the top three runners moved around the far turn. Jockey Florent Geroux had Gun Runner racing second down the backside and inside of Nyquist before making his move in the middle of the clubhouse turn and looked strong at the top of the stretch but proved no match for Nyquist as he tired in deep stretch and was passed by Exaggerator.
As has been the case throughout the Derby prep season, Exaggerator proved he’s no match for Nyquist who is still undefeated and the undisputed champion of the 2016 Kentucky Derby.
The complete order of finish:
Nyquist, Exaggerator, Gun Runner, Mohaymen, Suddenbreakingnews, Destin, Brody’s Cause, Mo Tom, Lani, Mor Spirit, My Man Sam, Tom’s Ready, Creator, Outwork. Danzing Candy, Trojan Nation, Oscar Nominated, Majesto, Whitmore and Shagaf.
Nyquist paid $6.60, $4.80, $3.60.
Kentucky Derby 142 in the Record Books
So it’s on to Maryland and the 2016 Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on May 21. This will be the 141st running of the middle leg of the Triple Crown series, won last year by American Pharoah after a 37 years hiatus. And if Nyquist can pull off the Preakness I’d say there’s a pretty good chance that we could see back-to-back Triple Crown winners since Seattle Slew in ’77 and Affirmed in ’78 for only the second time in history.
