Nyquist out of follow in American Pharoah footsteps

American Pharoah became the first horse in 37 years to add the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes titles to success in the Derby in 2015.

Nyquist is the horse tipped for glory in this year's Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville and trainer O'Neill is tipping the three-year-old to emulate American Pharoah's achievements.

"I think it's a great opportunity for all of us in the horse racing world to take advantage of what American Pharaoh and his connections did," O’Neill said.

"I mean he took horse racing from the back page of the sports section, sometimes not even covered in the sports section, to the front page. I look forward to having Nyquist on the front of the sports section.

"I look forward to it being a real positive, good story for a great business that there's a lot of great people in. I'm excited about the possibilities of us following up the great year American Pharaoh had."

Nyquist has been described as a "Lamborghini" by jockey Mario Gutierrez and has shown the ability to win on fast ground and on surfaces affected by wet weather.

The only question surrounding Nyquist is whether he can last the 1 and 1/4 mile distance and, should he struggle, then second favourite Exaggerator - who is coming off a win in the Santa Anita Derby over 1 and 1/8 miles last month - will be among those looking to take advantage.

Mohaymen is also expected to be among the front-runners but was fourth in the Florida Derby won by Nyquist in April, while Gun Runner approaches the race in good form having won over distances of over a mile at the Veterans Ford Risen Star Stakes and Louisiana Derby this year.

Brody's Cause has a grade one win to his name this year having emerged victorious at the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes last month. Creator and Suddenbreakingnews head to Kentucky after finishing first and second in the Arkansas Derby, but - if things go to form this Saturday - it will be Nyquist who grabs the headlines.