Undefeated Breeders’ Cup
champion Nyquist completed his final major
preparations on Sunday at Santa Anita Park for that track’s February 15 San Vicente
S. (G2). The Doug O’Neill trainee drilled five furlongs in company, setting
splits of :23.65 and :47.16 before completing the move in :59.38 under regular
rider Mario Gutierrez.
Also on Sunday,
Kobe’s Back rallied from the back of a short five-horse field to take the Palos
Verdes S. (G2) by a half-length under jockey Gary Stevens. The Peter Eurton-trained
gray was making his five-year-old debut in this spot.
Trainer
Kiaran McLaughlin discussed his plans for unbeaten Grade 2 victor Mohaymen ahead
of the February 27 Fountain of Youth, saying the gray colt would breeze for
the next two Fridays at Palm Meadows.