Exaggerator Logs Final SoCal Derby Workout

Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) winner Exaggerator recorded his final timed Southern California workout April 23 in preparation for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).

The Curlin   colt—owned by the partnership featuring of Big Chief Racing, Head of Flains Partners, and Rocker O Ranch—covered five furlongs in 1:00 flat with regular jockey Kent Desormeaux in the irons, under the watchful eye of trainer Keith Desormeaux in the Santa Anita Park grandstand.

"He felt great," the Hall of Fame jockey said of the drill. "Good energy, started out keen, then relaxed, and cruised around the racetrack. I gave him his head at the quarter pole, he extended his stride and quickened, even well after the wire."

Keith Desormeaux, who will have his first starter in the Derby if all goes well in the next two weeks of preparation, said Exaggerator will ship to Churchill Downs overnight April 26-27 and get one timed workout over the track a week ahead of the Run for the Roses.

"I think he's at a good stage," the trainer said. "He rebounded from the Santa Anita Derby in fine fashion. This is my first Derby, but I couldn't be happier. He's progressing. Progressing is the key word. He's progressing, not regressing.

"A lot of these horses, when they run big races, they regress. He doesn't seem to be doing that."

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For Kent Desormeaux, who has won the Derby three times, this year's edition provides a unique experience. Riding a winner for his brother on the first Saturday in May would be unrivaled.

"Nothing would be better. Not in the racing industry, at least," Kent Desormeaux said. "I'm definitely excited and anxious to find out our destiny. It seems like the Derby is a year from now. I'm just so excited for Keith."