Classic Empire's bro, Exclamation Point, may test stakes company

Following a victory Tuesday in a third level allowance at Fair Grounds, Exclamation Point will likely move to stakes company next out at Oaklawn Park, said co-owner Staton Flurry.

A half-brother to 2017 Champion Two-Year-Old Classic Empire, the Brad Cox-trained son of Concord Point defeated a nice group of older horses in his most-recent start, including the likes of two-time Fair Grounds allowance winner Casses Story and Grade 1-placed Tenfold.

Exclamation Point could target the $150,000 Fifth Season Stakes on April 14 at Oaklawn Park.

“We’ll talk to Brad,” Flurry said following Tuesday’s victory, with the race an option as a prep for the Oaklawn Mile on May 3 or Steve Sexton Mile (G3) at Lone Star Park.

Tuesday’s win marked Exclamation Point’s first start since a distance fourth in a third level allowance race over a sloppy going at Oaklawn Park, which was his only defeat and first start since a victory over the main track at Keeneland last April. 

“He needed his last race and the track conditions were terrible that day,” Flurry said. “It was sloppy and he got banged around for of five times around the first turn going down the backstretch. (Jockey) Joe Bravo put him in a good spot to get him to the finish line and not get hurt.”

Bred in Kentucky, Exclamation Point is owned by Flurry in partnership with breeders Brandi and Steve Nicholson, Exclamation Point is out of the Cat Thief broodmare Sambuca Classica, making him a half-brother to champion Classic Empire. All five of her foals of racing age are winners.