5/21/16 - Exaggerator, great-grandson of Seattle Slew, Wins the Preakness

Three-year-old EXAGERRATOR (Curlin), winner of the Santa Anita Derby (G1) earlier this year, added to his resume with a fantastic run in the 141st Preakness Stakes (G1) over a sloppy Pimlico main track on May 21.

Breaking nicely from the number five hole, Exaggerator and jockey Kent Desormeaux allowed the early speed runners to clear them before diving inside to settle into an easy pace along the rail. Saving ground off the pace, the dark bay/brown colt increased his tempo down the backstretch to gain on the leaders setting a fast pace, and he had moved into contention as the field approached the final turn. Exaggerator angled out around the frontrunners as they swept into the stretch and was in full flight at the top of the lane. Moving into the lead, Exaggerator angled back in toward the rail and sailed home unchallenged.

Crossing under the wire 3 1/2 lengths in front, Exaggerator finished 1 3/16 miles in a time of 1:58 1/5 over the sealed track.

The competitive colt was making his 11th career start in the Preakness. He has recorded five wins, three second-place finishes and one third-place effort. In addition to his two Grade 1 victories this season, he won the Saratoga Special (G2) and Delta Downs Jackpot (G3) last year. He finished second in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and third in the San Felipe Stakes (G3). His exploits have earned him nearly $3 million. Current plans call for Exaggerator to contest the Belmont Stakes (G1) next.

Bred in Kentucky, Exaggerator was produced from the Vindication mare Dawn Raid. Vindication, a champion son of Seattle Slew, won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) and was undefeated during his championship season in 2002. Dawn Raid, a stakes-placed winner, is a half-sister to Canadian champion Embur's Song (Unbridled's Song). Dawn Raid is also the dam of an unraced two-year-old filly named Rose Garden (Pioneerof the Nile) and a full sister to the Preakness winner born this year.

The Slew Crew congratulates Exaggerator; owners Big Chief Racing, Head of Plains Partners, Rocker O Ranch et al; breeder James Murphy; trainer Keith Desormeaux; jockey Kent Desormeaux and the rest of the colt's connections on the Classic victory. Best wishes for continued success.


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