Mens Exclusive seeks second consecutive Vernon O. Underwood victory.
Men's Exclusive has lost his last four starts since winning the Palos Verdes Handicap at Santa Anita in January, but conditioner Wesley Ward is confident the 8-year-old gelding will run big in defense of his crown in the $100,000 Vernon Underwood Stakes (gr. III) at six furlongs Sunday.No horse has won the Underwood twice in 20 previous runnings, although Men's Exclusive came close, finishing second to Paying Dues in 1996. Ward has kept the old-timer going for owner-breeder H.E. Reed, winning nine of 34 starts and earnings of $1,111,758. Laffit Pincay, Jr., will get the mount. Challenging Men's Exclusive will be Forrest Camp who received the green light from trainer Eduardo Inda after working four furlongs in :47.40 Wednesday. Chris McCarron has the call on the 4-year-old sprinter.Other possibilities include: Beaumes De Venise; Elaborate; Lake William; Morocco; Shadow Caster; Tavasco; Top Hit; and Very Caerleon.
