Kentucky Derby Prep Results: Coolmore Lexington Stakes

by Patricia Woo | Apr 19 2010

Todd Pletcher has a near embarrassment of riches in his barn, with six of his trainees eligible to start in the Kentucky Derby on May 1. One who will be making the trip to Churchill Downs off his excellent performance in the $300,000 Gr. 2 Coolmore Lexington Stakes but is currently on the outside of the bubble looking in is Exhi, who took on sentimental favorite Uptowncharlybrown and El Camino Real Derby winner Connemara, among others on Saturday, April 17 at Keeneland.

With $180,000 in graded stakes earnings going to the winner of the Lexington Stakes, much was on the line for the Kentucky Derby hopefuls in the field hoping to sneak into the top 20. Uptowncharlybrown, whose trainer Alan Seewald passed away suddenly the week before the race, was one of those on the bubble. He, paired with Garrett Gomez, was slow on the break but settled in well for the 1 1/16 mile race behind pacesetter Exhi, who had Robby Albarado aboard. While Exhi enjoyed a trouble-free trip, those stalking the pace encountered traffic troubles; Uptowncharlybrown bumped several times with Chief Counsel and Kent Desormeaux through the stretch. And then, Bushwhacked and Rajiv Maragh came from far back, swinging three-wide and seemed keen on collaring Exhi. But in a thrilling finish, Exhi hung on for the win in a time of 1:44.38.

Uptowncharlybrown and Chief Counsel rounded out the top four; Connemara ended up 10th in a field of 12.

At 37th and 38th on the list with only $60,000 and $59,000 in earnings respectively, Bushwhacked and Uptowncharlybrown are out of Kentucky Derby contention. Connemara, at 30th with $139,357, will also be shut out of the Run for the Roses.

But Exhi, a Maria's Mon colt who is owned by Wertheimer and Frere, has an outside shot at the Derby. He now sits at 24th in the graded stakes earnings list with $180,358, a position that has Pletcher pleased with his options. "We weren't really thinking [about the Derby] going into the day, but he ran well," said Pletcher. "He'll go to Churchill and we won't rule anything out. We'll enjoy this for the moment and see how things shake out."

Exhi gave Pletcher his third consecutive Lexington Stakes win off a victory in the $100,000 Rushaway Stakes on March 27 at Turfway Park. Pletcher will now turn his attention to his Derby contingent, which includes Rule, Eskendereya, Mission Impazible, Super Saver, Discreetly Mine and Interactif. Though Pletcher has yet to win the Kentucky Derby, 2010 may be his year.

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