In contrast to a pair of lackluster workouts that ultimately contributed to a decision to bypass the GII Jim Dandy S. in favor of the GI Betfair.com Haskell Invitational S., GI Preakness S. hero Exaggerator (Curlin) showed “marked improvement” Saturday morning at Saratoga as he breezed five furlongs in 1:00.95 for next Saturday's GI Travers S. Jockey Dylan Davis was aboard for the move.
“I liked this work,” said Julie Clark, assistant to trainer Keith Desormeaux. “It was much nicer than the two [works] that Keith was worried about. He went through the lane with his head nice and level, didn't have to be asked. Dylan didn't even get after him, didn't push him at all. He thought he had actually worked him a little slower than he did so he was surprised he did it so easy.”
Exaggerator, who defeated the Travers-bound American Freedom (Pulpit) by 1 1/2 lengths in the Monmouth centerpiece July 31, broke off from the pony on the backstretch and went in fractions of :25 and :36 4/5 before galloping out six furlongs in 1:14 3/5.
“Surprisingly, he wasn't even blowing,” she said of the expected Travers favorite. “He cooled out really easily and wasn't really sweating. Granted, it was cooler this morning than it's been but he was good.
“He has [bounced back since the Haskell], definitely,” Clark continued. “I'm sure the whole series leading up to the Triple Crown was affecting him to a degree, but it seems like he was more ready to come back to his usual self after the Haskell than after the Preakness.”
Exaggerator will have a low-key week leading up to the Travers, Clark indicated.
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