Nikoli was a "strong, most attractive"[2] bay horse with no white markings bred in Ireland by the McGrath Trust Co. at the Brownstown Stud.
His dam Aliceva made little impact as a racehorse but produced several other winners including Captain James (Waterford Crystal Mile) and Sutton Place (Coronation Stakes).
[3] On his first appearance as a three-year-old Nikoli contested the Group Three McCairns Trial Stakes over seven furlongs on soft ground at Phoenix Park.
The ground was much firmer when Nikoli was stepped up to Group One level for the Irish 2000 Guineas over one mile at the Curragh on 17 May and started the 5/1 third favourite behind Monteverdi and Posse.
[2] Nikoli's win at the Curragh made him a leading contender for The Derby and he received considerable sentimental support as his highly respected trainer was terminally ill and unlikely to saddle another runner in the race.
In the Irish Derby at the Curragh on 28 June, the colt was made the second favourite but became highly agitated before the start and finished unplaced behind Tyrnavos.