Creator each-way value in Kentucky Derby

Nyquist a class act

Nyquist heads the betting and is bidding to become the third favourite in a row to win the Run for the Roses.

The colt is unbeaten in seven starts and represents the trainer/jockey team of Doug O’Neill and Mario Gutierrez who landed the valuable prize back in 2012 with I’ll Have Another.

Like I’ll Have Another, Nyquist has had two preps runs ahead of the first leg of the Triple Crown.

In the last of those in a Grade 1 over 1m 1f at Gulfstream Park, Nyquist made all to win comfortably by 3 1/4 lengths.

However, the son of Uncle Mo did drift out alarmingly inside the final furlong before being straightened up to get the job done and that raises the questions as to whether his stamina was running out.

Step up in trip a concern

Nyquist is all about speed and his previous win this season had come over 7f at Santa Anita.

He is undoubtedly a class act, but whether he is crying out for the step up to 1m 2f is highly debatable.

It could be that Nyquist was just idling and losing concentration when hitting the front at Gulfstream; and if that is the case, then he looks a worthy favourite given that he brings the strongest form into the contest and has an unblemished record.

There will, however, be no hiding place in this big field contest which looks sure to be run at a searching pace and, at the odds on offer, siding with the improving closer Creator, who boasts a rock solid profile, could be rewarding as he appears to have sneaked under the radar.

Related

For more horse racing betting tips, check out our dedicated section.

Coral’s top tip: Nyquist is a class act but, with doubts about him getting the trip, the thriving Creator looks well worth an each-way wager in a wide-open renewal of the Kentucky Derby.