Nyquist trainer not worried about rain-soaked Preakness Stakes

The Kentucky Derby winner’s trainer said he isn’t concerned about rain in the forecast for Saturday’s Preakness Stakes.

If Nyquist is to win the Preakness Stakes and keep his Triple Crown hopes alive, he’ll have to overcome more than just 10 rival horses in the race.

Pimlico Race Course is already soggy from a steady rain that’s been falling since Saturday morning, but the forecast projects additional showers and wind gusts of up to 20 mph. This would create a muddy and messy track.

Nyquist’s trainer, Doug O’Neill, told The Associated Press that he wasn’t troubled by the rainy forecast.

“With a horse like Nyquist, I’m not overly concerned about the weather,” O’Neill said Friday. “As far as rain or shine, we’re not going to change anything shoeing-wise He’s going to wear the same shoes he’s got on. We’d just love to have a beautiful day.”

According to the AP, Kentucky Derby runner-up Exaggerator and Cherry Wine, a 25-1 long shot, have both had success running in the rain.

“I’ll be one of the few people doing a rain dance,” Cherry Wine’s trainer Dale Romans told the AP.

Exaggerator won the Santa Anita Derby on a sloppy track in April, and has additional first- and second-place finishes in similar weather, according to the AP.

“He’s run on every track that’s been put before him and that may prove to be an advantage,” trainer Keith Desormeaux told the AP. “But I am not sure wishing for one track over another. I’d prefer to have my picture taken in the sun.”

Nyquist enters Saturday’s race as a clear betting favorite at 5-2, and for good reason. Nyquist boasts a perfect 8-0 race record and is one of just two horses to ever complete the Juvenile-Derby double.

For more coverage of the Preakness Stakes, check out our Horse Racing hub page.