Nysos, Johannes Near Planned Starts at Del Mar

Del Mar has always been known for its lineup of top-name horses, and judging by the early nominations this year, there will be no shortage of talent running at the seaside oval this summer. One of the top horses in the nation is expected to run in the July 26 San Diego Handicap (G2). Baoma Corp.'s Nysos, from the Bob Baffert arsenal, returned from a year away from racing and was a close second in the seven-furlong Churchill Downs Stakes (G1) on Kentucky Derby Day. The son of Nyquist followed his impressive 2025 debut with a win in the Triple Bend Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park at the end of May. "We're just keeping our fingers crossed that he stays healthy," Baffert said. "He's an exciting horse. He ran a big race at Churchill. It was disappointing he didn't win that one, but it was a tough race." Nysos may end up butting heads with last year's Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Stronghold in the San Diego. The next day, July 27, trainer Tim Yakteen is pointing CUYATHY's Johannes to the Eddie Read Stakes (G2T). Another son of Nyquist, Johannes was runner-up in last year's Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T) after winning four graded stakes in a row. He developed some bone bruising after his victory in the San Gabriel Stakes (G2T) in December and Yakteen gave him some time off to recuperate.