Saratoga Maidens, presented by KeenelandLouisiana-bred Gaudreau (Nyquist) was well supported against a stacked field on paper, and when two challengers came calling late, turned them all away to graduate at first-asking at the Spa.Hailing from the female line of Venezuelan Horse of the Year and Triple Crown victress Gelinotte (Ven) (Never Bend), the son of GI Kentucky Derby hero Nyquist brought $220,000 as a yearling at the 2025 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearling sale and was sent to the barn of Chad Brown in late May this year to start preparations. He posted a strong move July 25 (4f, :47.05, {2/111}) from the gate, and went four panels in :48.75 (33/131) in his final preparation for this debut.Made the 2-1 favorite against a well-bred field of rivals, he was content to track the action from just off the flank of the early speed through an opening quarter in :22.38, and was the looming danger coming off the bend after a half in :45.23. Overtaking the 18-1 longshot by mid-stretch, Gaudrea had to brace for the oncoming rally of Coach Pope (Tapit ) and U. S. S. Valor (War of Will), but had enough to keep them at bay on the wire. GAUDREAU breaks his maiden in the opener on Whitney Day under Flavien Prat for trainer Chad Brown. pic.twitter.com/qmx4DrG12B— NYRA () (@TheNYRA) August 8, 2026 The post Nyquist’s Gaudreau Holds Off Late Challengers, Dons Cap and Gown at Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.