Nyquist’s Taj Mahal Runs Up the Score at Laurel to Break Maiden

[Wandering Eyes]

TAJ MAHAL (c, 3, Nyquist–Oola Gal {SP, $117,257}, by Quality Road) was made the 3-2 favorite for this unveiling after posting a series of strong works over the track for trainer Brittany Russell.

Out slowly and finding himself last in the early stages, he navigated to the outside of runners entering the far bend and was rolling with a full head of steam from five wide as they swung for home. Taking command not long after as Sir George (Street Sense) tried to make a race of it, Taj Mahal drew off from that one to win by 4 1/4 lengths.

The victor is the second to get a picture taken from as many to the races for the dam, a stakes-placed half-sister to the mother of SW Baby Max (Maximus Mischief). Oola Gal has a juvenile full-sister to Taj Mahal in the wings who RNA'd at the Keeneland September sale last year for $375,000 as well as a yearling filly by Upt to the Mark. She is due to Arabian Knight for 2026.

3rd-Laurel, $47,705, Msw, 2-6, 3yo, 6f, 1:12.42, ft, 4 1/4 lengths.
TAJ MAHAL (c, 3, Nyquist–Oola Gal {SP, $117,257}, by Quality Road) Sales history: $525,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $28,200. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O-SF Racing, LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, LLC, Stonestreet Stables, LLC, Bashor Racing, LLC, Determined Stables, Golconda Stable, Waves Edge Capital, LLC and Donovan, Catherine; B-Vegso Racing Stable (FL); T-Brittany T. Russell.

 

3yo colt Taj Mahal (Nyquist) was just too good. Slow at the break. @SheldonRussell1 took his time, keeping him wide to avoid taking too much dirt. He always looked like he was cruising five wide, six wide into the top of the stretch, then kicking clear. Pretty good impression… pic.twitter.com/Ww1VGDSPOr

— Tom Ryan (@TomRyanKY) February 6, 2026

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