Exhale

[ManilaRose]

Originally Posted by Balletto

Yeah! ha! I def didnt see you at the sale! I got one though. = )

Anywho, to get back on topic, glad to see he did well. Do they know whats next yet?

Exhale might try Lewis Stakes

Exhale, a convincing winner against maidens in Monday's third race, may make his stakes debut in the $200,000 Robert Lewis Stakes on March 3, trainer John Sadler said. The Lewis Stakes, formerly known as the Santa Catalina Stakes, is a key prep to the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby on April 7.

On Monday, Exhale stalked the pace to early stretch before pulling clear to win by five lengths, finishing 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:15.91. "He got the lead with little effort," Sadler said. "I didn't want him to make the lead too soon."

Ridden by Corey Nakatani for CRK Stables, Exhale ($2.60) was making his second start. In his debut, he finished second to eventual San Rafael Stakes winner Notional in a maiden race at the Oak Tree at Santa Anita meeting on Oct. 21.

Exhale missed a start at Hollywood Park in late fall because of a foot problem, according to Sadler.

"This is a horse with a lot of ability," Sadler said.

Sadler said that Exhale could start in an allowance race before the Lewis.

CRK Stables, Sadler, and Nakatani won Monday's Grade 2 Santa Ynez Stakes with Jump On In, the 4-5 favorite.