No-one really remembers the runner-up in any sport, and unfortunately for Exaggerator, he has made a habit of running second when going against Nyquist. After finishing second in the Kentucky Derby, Exaggerator has now finished behind Nyquist on 4 separate occasions, but he will be looking at the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 21 as his chance to right those wrongs, whilst also putting the kybosh on Nyquist’s Triple Crown attempt. Make no mistake about it, though, this is a very good horse indeed, and with a little bit of luck, as well as a clean ride, he could be the one in the winner’s circle this weekend. Let’s take a little bit of a closer look at what Exaggerator will be bringing to Pimlico Race Track on the weekend and how it can benefit horse racing lines fans.
Kentucky Derby runner-up Exaggerator is preparing for the #PreaknessStakes: pic.twitter.com/BOBOfDHftk
— USA TODAY Sports (@USATODAYsports) May 17, 2016
Exaggerator’s 2016 Preakness Stakes Betting Profile
Exaggerator’s History
Exaggerator is a Kentucky-bred colt out of Curlin and Dawn Raid, by Vindication. Unlike many horses that reach this level in their 3-year old season, Exaggerator was actually a little bit of a slow starter. He finished in 5th spot in his first career start before breaking his maiden in his second race at Del Mar. He won his next race at Grade 2, and then moved up to Grade 1, where he finished second in the Claiborne Breeder’s Futurity. He ran 4th in the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile, before finishing out his 2-year old season with a win in the Grade 3 Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes.
Prior to the Kentucky Derby, Exaggerator had 3 starts in 2016, all of which saw him finish in the money. The highlight was a win at the Santa Anita Derby, which was the race prior to the Derby. He put in a game effort in the Run for the Roses, but came up a little short heading down the home stretch.
Jockey, Trainer, and Owner Info
Exaggerator is ridden by Kent Desormeaux, a 3-time Derby winner, and is trained by Kent’s brother Keith. The two men are very much a contrast in styles, and have what can best be described as a working relationship. Kent has a bit of a troubled past, with alcohol issues putting a bit of a damper on his career in recent years. Winning the Preakness on Exaggerator would certainly go a long way towards proving that he still has what it takes to win the big races.
Exaggerator is owned by Big Chief Racing, and was purchased for the bargain basement price of $110,000. That has proven to be a very solid investment, as Exaggerator has managed to rake in a little over $2 million in his 10 career starts.
Preakness Outlook
Exaggerator has had a bit of a tough time when going against Nyquist, but you never know what might happen in a big race. Exaggerator may have a shot if the pace gets particularly hot up front, and the shorter distance in this one may also help him. Realistically, though, he is probably looking at a 2nd or 3rd place finish.
