Day at the Races: Exaggerated takes Giant’s Causeway Stakes

Saturday’s figures: On-track attendance, 38,863; on-track betting, $1,992,435.60; total betting including simulcast, $15,251,055.81.

This day last year: On-track attendance, 37,193; on-track betting, $1,910,954; total betting including simulcast, $13,816,002.

Coming up: Nickname, winner of the Grade I Frizette Stakes last October, leads a field of five 3-year-old fillies set to start in the Grade III Adena Springs Beaumont Stakes going about 7 furlongs on the main track.

Final furlong

▪ Saturday’s crowd had the third highest non-Breeders’ Cup attendance in track history.

▪ Unbeaten juvenile champion Nyquist was reported to be in good order after putting in a 5-furlong move over the main track on Friday. Trainer Doug O’Neill headed back to his base in California on Saturday morning but made sure to check in on the current Kentucky Derby favorite before departing. “He (O’Neill) was anxious to see him and he couldn’t look any better this morning,” said assistant trainer Jack Sisterson.

▪ Miss Temple City, who became the first female runner to win the Grade I Maker’s 46 Mile, was also none the worse for wear after her victory on Friday. “It was very satisfying, one of the most satisfying things that I have done,” trainer Graham Motion said. “She is super this morning and I am not in a hurry to run back.” Miss Temple City could be headed to Royal Ascot for a start in the Group II Duke of Cambridge on June 15.

▪ In the Giant’s Causeway, Exaggerated emerged from an early scramble for the lead in the run down the backstretch, spurted clear in the upper stretch and never was threatened in winning by 1½ lengths over Cactus Kris. Trained by Arnaud Delacour, Exaggerated ran 5½ furlongs on firm turf in 1:02.81.

This story was originally published April 16, 2016 at 10:27 PM with the headline "Day at the Races: Exaggerated takes Giant’s Causeway Stakes."