Exchange Rate jumped to the second spot on the 2014 2-year-old Sires list following Governmentshutdown’s 3 3/4-length victory in the $75,000 Rollicking S. May 16 at Pimlico.
The 2-year-old colt is one of 11 stakes horses by Exchange Rate in 2014, an impressive list that spans three continents and four countries.
After a first two furlongs that had both his jockey and trainer concerned about the outcome, Governmentshutdown came three wide into the stretch under Jose Betancourt, looming up to take command at the eighth pole before drawing away powerfully. The gray/roan juvenile completed the five furlongs on a muddy track in :59.10.
“We didn’t have a picture perfect trip the way we wanted it, but he overcame a disastrous start. He impressed me today,” said Betancourt. “We had to take back a little bit. That’s not where I wanted to be, but I was really impressed the way he overcame that. So far he’s been really impressive.”
Trainer John Robb was already discussing his latest winner’s next start after the race.
“The race didn’t go as we planned but we got the finish we hoped for. He showed a lot of improvement from his first start to his second. The blinkers made a real difference. We’ll maybe try to go to the Bashford Manor ($100,000, Grade 3 on June 28) at Churchill Downs like we did last year. I think this horse can go long.”
Governmentshutdown now has two wins from three starts and has earned $72,950 for Tim O’Donohue Racing LLC. The winner was bred in Kentucky by Respite Farm Inc. and went through the 2013 Keeneland September Yearling sales ring, where he was purchased by O’Donohue. He is the first foal out of seven-time winner Shy Baby.
