Exaggerator targets Southern California preps after Jackpot triumph

VINTON, La. – Exaggerator hit the Jackpot on Saturday at Delta Downs and was headed back home to Santa Anita on Sunday. Trainer Keith Desormeaux said the horse wrapped up his 2-year-old season with his win in the Grade 3, $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot.

Exaggerator had a productive campaign this year as he also won the Grade 2 Saratoga Special, ran second in the Grade 1 Breeders' Futurity, and was fourth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. He earned $983,120 in his initial season of racing for Matt Bryan. Plans for Exaggerator's 3-year-old season are to be determined, said Desormeaux.

"I only plan to train him very lightly the next month and then make plans," he said Sunday.

Desormeaux said the Southern California preps are a logical direction for Exaggerator, who won the Jackpot on the front end Saturday with a Beyer Speed Figure of 92.

"Because he has natural speed, he might fit better out there," Desormeaux said. "He makes his own pace."

Exaggerator won the Jackpot by a neck over the Champagne runner-up Sunny Ridge after setting the pace over a muddy track. He covered 1 1/16 miles in 1:46.48.

"A heavy surface on a speed horse usually takes its toll," said Desormeaux. "He proved he had the quality that we knew he had. Of course, he proved that at Saratoga, but to translate that quality to two turns makes it exciting."

Exaggerator earned 10 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby for his effort in the Jackpot. He came out of the race in good order, Desormeaux said Sunday.

"He's good, full of energy," he said. "He's happy."

Desormeaux, who is a native of Louisiana, is based at Santa Anita.