Excitement builds on Exaggerator

Just hours after the San Felipe Stakes, many people were talking about how third place finisher Exaggerator looked tired and not willing to finish. Many were calling him a one-turn horse and were saying that he shouldn't even push on to the Santa Anita Derby. Even his trainer, Keith Desormeaux said he didn't know why he flattened out in the San Felipe. Last Saturday, not only did Exaggerator silence the critics, but he established himself as one of the favorites going into Kentucky Derby 2016 with a dominant performance in the Santa Anita Derby. 

Exaggerator, the son of two time horse of the year Curlin, lacked early speed as Danzing Candy sped off in fast fractions, with the rest of the field in tow. As the field approached the far turn, Exaggerator started a blitz, passing horses one by one, and collaring Danzing Candy at the top of the stretch.

In a performance that looked like Texas Red, in the 2014 Breeders Cup Juvenile, he drew away with every stride. He was geared down to win and become Curlin's fifth Grade one winner. This was his best performance and left many in awe, including myself. There were many contributions to Exaggerator's victory like the fast early pace and the fact that Exaggerator is now two for three, with a second place finish on muddy tracks. So on the first Saturday in May, if the track is sloppy, look out for Exaggerator to pick them up and mow them down. 

This performance on Saturday has given new life to the connections of Exaggerator and sends a feel-good story to Louisville as the jockey and trainer will attempt to become the first brothers to win the Run for the Roses. So I say to everyone, don't leave out Exaggerator. He will be a big player in the Derby, and now, maybe he can get the respect he deserves.