Exaggerator proved he belongs at the top of the 3-year-old division with his decisive victory in Sunday’s $1 million Haskell Inv. (G1), defeating both the winner, Nyquist, and third-place finisher, Gun Runner of this year’s Kentucky Derby (G1).
Exaggerator, who has now won more than $3.5 million, is slated to join the WinStar Farm stallion roster upon the conclusion of his racing career.
Relishing the off track as he did in his Santa Anita Derby (G1) and Preakness S. (G1) victories, Exaggerator was last in the field of six Haskell runners through the first half-mile, but then quickly began to gain ground without jockey Kent Desormeaux yet to ask for run.
Exaggerator was four wide coming into the final quarter-mile, but full of momentum as he reeled in the field, striking the front with a furlong to go, then coming home under a hand ride to win by 1 1/2-lengths.
“I think the most impressive thing is the run from the three-quarter pole to the half-mile pole,” said Desormeaux. “I bet you my brother (Exaggerator’s trainer Keith Desormeaux) was in shock, asking, ‘Where the hell is he going,’ Fact of the matter is Keith, I wasn’t going anywhere. He was just galloping and reeling them in. Then, down the lane, he just exploded.”
In addition to his three Grade 1 wins this year, Exaggerator’s sparkling resume also includes wins in the Saratoga Special (G2) and $1 million Delta Jackpot (G3) at two. He is now 6-3-1 in 13 starts and has banked $3,571,120 for owners Big Chief Racing, Head of Plains Partners and Rocker O Ranch.
