Exclusive Circle for Men’s Exclusive

A lot of quality sprinters have won the Vernon O. Underwood Stakes since the race, which was originally known as the National Sprint Championship, was run for the first time in 1981.

Stars such as Shanekite, Unpredictable, Lovelier Linda, Bedside Promise, Hilco Scamper, Olympic Prospect and Meafara are on the list of winners in the Grade III contest, but none can match Men’s Exclusive. Ending a four-race losing streak, the 8-year-old gelding became the first two-time winner of the Underwood, beating 18-1 shot Tavasco, heavily favored Caller One and four others Sunday at Hollywood Park.

Trained by Wesley Ward for owner-breeder Gene Reed, Men’s Exclusive, the 5-1 second choice, was never far off the pace set by Caller One, then took over near the wire under jockey Laffit Pincay Jr. and won by a half-length in 1:09 for the six furlongs. It was the 10th victory in 35 starts for the son of Exclusive Ribot and his fourth in 11 tries at Hollywood Park.

Tavasco, who was disqualified out of a victory on the turf Nov. 7, beat Caller One by a neck for the place.

“He’s a tough old guy, just an amazing horse,” Pincay said of the winner, who had finished second to Paying Dues in the 1996 Underwood in his first try in the race.

“He ran perfect today. I rode him the first time he came to the track years ago, and I never thought he’d be able to put together four races. He’s always had problems with his legs, his feet, but he sure has lasted a long time. He has really fooled me.”

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The win in the Underwood was the 279th stakes victory at Hollywood Park for Pincay, leaving him one behind co-leaders Bill Shoemaker and Chris McCarron.

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Sweet Defense suffered a fatal leg injury in Sunday’s sixth race, but his jockey, Alex Solis, was able to ride Lake William in the Underwood. “I’m just a little sore,” he said. “I twisted my [left] ankle and hit my head. I’m going to be sore [today].”