Four years ago, Paul Reddam sent out the favorite for the Kentucky Derby in Nyquist and wasn't disappointed as his talented three-year-old remained undefeated while winning the 2016 Run for the Roses. Fast forward to 2020 and Reddam just might be back for more as his two-year-old homebred son of Nyquist, Team Merchants, scored an impressive win on September 7th at Saratoga in just his second career start. It was the third winner in just 10 days for Nyquist (he has a total of six to date in his first crop), a group that includes Vequist, winner of the G1 Spinaway by nine and one-half lengths just one day before on September 6th.
Team Merchants broke well as the second favorite in the field of nine and settled in nicely in second-place throughout the first five furlongs. Rounding the turn for home, the bay juvenile made his move and was in front as the field entered the stretch. By midway down the lane, the result was pretty much in the books with Team Merchants pulling away to win by three and three-quarter lengths. Frosted's Ten For Ten finished second.
Team Merchants is out of Edwina E a full sister to Stakes-placed Rinse and Repeat and Electric Eddie. Edwina E also produced a full brother to Team Merchants in 2019.
In addition to Team Merchants and the aforementioned Vequist, Nyquist is also the sire of Soaring Free Stakes winner Gretzky The Great, maiden special winners Assertive Style and Dream Quist, as well as G1-placed Lady Lilly who finished third to Vequist in the Spinaway.
