Ex Ex Ex catches a break and takes advantage

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Ex Ex Ex got away with a slow pace on the lead and avoided the trouble that struck some of his rivals en route to a half-length victory over Amazing Anne in Monday’s $100,000 Cab Calloway Division of the New York Stallion Series Stakes at Saratoga.

With Jose Lezcano aboard, Ex Ex Ex quickly sped clear, cruised through a 50.18-second opening half-mile over the firm turf course, then had enough left in reserve to contain a final surge from Amazing Anne, the only filly in the field of seven New York-sired 3-year-olds. Amazing Anne, who is entered in Thursday’s Stallion Series Stakes on the turf for 3-year-old fillies, rallied through the final furlong and finished 3 1/4 lengths in front of Memories of Peter, who was third.

Payment Terms, the 7-5 favorite, broke slowly and bore out very badly on the opening turn, carrying Possessed very wide. Payment Terms recovered to race within striking distance, checked briefly while racing a bit greenly in early stretch, and never menaced the leaders. Possessed trailed throughout in his turf debut.

Ex Ex Ex, a son of Read the Footnotes, is owned by Mark Valentine and trained by Gary Contessa. He completed a mile in 1:36.95 and paid $24.

“Obviously, I was surprised we got away with such a slow pace,” said Contessa, who posted his first Saratoga stakes victory since 2007. “I told Jose to do what he wanted - if he wants to go, to go. When I saw the half in 50 and everybody behind him was in trouble, either checking or bolting or whatever, I knew it worked out very well for us. That’s what makes a speed horse so dangerous. You have to catch him, all the trouble is behind him, and today the traffic worked to our advantage, too, so I’m just glad he’s a very fast horse.”