Hallandale Beach, FL
Nyquist quickly put the East vs. West battle to rest after a dazzling victory in the Grade I Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park.
The juvenile champion went straight to the front under jockey Mario Gutierrez and simply never looked back, showing his class when turning back east coast top contender Mohaymen around the turn.
Nyquist finished the 1 1/8 mile race in a final time of 1:49, including quick fractions of :23 and 1:11.
Favored Mohaymen tried to tackle the champ around the turn, but was quickly put away and tired to a distant fourth.
Majesto showed a strong closing kick down the stretch to finish second and length ahead of third place finisher Fellowship.
Nyquist returned $4.40 to win and trainer Doug O'Neill said it's all systems go to Kentucky.