LOUISVILLE, Ky. — There are no holes in Nyquist’s résumé. He is the reigning 2-year-old champion and is undefeated in seven starts. He has soundly beaten three of the top contenders in previous races — Exaggerator, Brody’s Cause and Mohaymen. His trainer and jockey already have Kentucky Derby victories under their belts.
So why do horse aficionados believe Nyquist is immensely beatable Saturday, in the 142nd running of the Derby? The racetrack is a place where irrational logic rules. And there are several reasons that this colt is deemed vulnerable despite accomplishments better than last year’s Triple Crown champion, American Pharoah, and rivaling those of the 1977 Triple Crown champ, Seattle Slew.