Kentucky Derby 2023: Versatile Mage can do some Derby magic
Read this articleExaggerator Tops Field of Twelve for $500,000 Breeders' Futurity
On Saturday at Keeneland, the track will host the $500,000 Breeders Futurity. An automatic qualifier for the Breeders Cup Juvenile (G1), the Grade 1 event will be run at a mile and a sixteenth and has drawn a field of twelve colts and geldings.
Exaggerator has been tabbed as the favorite at odds of 7-2 in the wide open field for trainer Keith Desormeaux. A dark bay son of Curlin, he was purchased for $110,000 as a yearling and has won two of his three starts. After a fifth place finish in his debut, he has since won a maiden race and took the Saratoga Special Stakes (G2) in August. Kent Desormeaux will be in the irons and they are scheduled to break from post position seven.
Uncle Vinny stretching out to two turns
Second choice at morning line odds of 9-2 is Uncle Vinny for trainer Todd Pletcher. Owned by Starlight Racing, the $175,000 yearling is from the first crop of juvenile champion Uncle Mo and he has won two of his four starts, including the Sanford Stakes (G3). Last time out, he closed for third in the Hopeful Stakes (G1). Luis Saez will be aboard and they will break from the outside post as he goes for his third victory.
Stakes debut for Sheikh of Sheikhs
Also in the field at morning line odds of 5-1 is Sheikh of Sheikhs for trainer Wesley Ward. A bay son of Discreetly Mine, he was purchased for $330,000 in May. He is stepping up to stakes competition for the first time and broke his maiden in his career debut in August at Saratoga over nine rivals in a mild upset victory. Edgar Prado has picked up the mount and they will break from post eight.
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