Exaggerator Takes Control of Division With G1 Haskell Victory

Off-track specialist Exaggerator goes from last to first to win the 2016 G1 Haskell Invitational over a sloppy Monmouth Park surface. Ridden by Kent Desormeaux for his brother, trainer Keith Desormeaux, Exaggerator went right by rival, Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist who faded down the stretch to finish fourth.

American Freedom ran on for second, 1 1/2 lengths behind Exaggerator, with Sunny Ridge another two lengths back in third. Exaggerator paid $7.60 to win and covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.70 after Nyquist and American Freedom battled on the front-end early in the race to fast :22.78 and :46.62 fractions.

The Haskell is a ‘Win and You’re In’ Breeders’ Cup Challenge race, earning Exaggerator a guaranteed spot in the starting gate for the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita in November.