The dynamite duel that was supposed to decide the Florida Derby turned out to be a one-horse show. Nyquist set the pace and drew away in the stretch for his 7th win in 7 career starts. Post-time favorite Mohaymen had every opportunity to take the race over but after meeting his rival eyeball to eyeball at the turn for home, faded to a disappointing 4th.

Trainer Doug O’Neill announced after the race that Nyquist will now ship to Keeneland and prepare for the toughest test of his brilliant, young career: the Kentucky Derby.

Nyquist handled the field easily despite veering out a bit in the stretch and failing to switch leads. So there is actually room for improvement. He’s proven he can ship. He’s proven Uncle Mo’s can stay. He’s won on the lead and he’s closed from off the pace. He has a Kentucky Derby winning team in jockey Mario Gutierrez, O’Neill and owner Paul Reddam, who teamed up in 2012 with I’ll Have Another.

He checks every box of a bona fide Triple Crown powerhouse.

Let the hype begin.

And don’t close the door on Mohaymen just yet.

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