Exclamation Point, the 3-year-old half-brother to champion Classic Empire, won his two-turn debut in the fifth race Saturday at Oaklawn. He was 3-5 and with the win improved his record to 2-for-2. The optional claiming race at a mile ended at the sixteenth pole, and the winner covered the distance on a fast track in 1:38.80. 

Fernando De La Cruz was aboard for trainer Brad Cox. 

Exclamation Point was content to track leader Inge in second as that one set fractions of 22.93 seconds for the opening quarter, 47.18 for the half-mile and 1:12.49 for six furlongs. Exclamation Point moved to the fore from there, and took the field home, while drifting in the late stages. 

Cox said earlier this week that Exclamation Point is one of four horses he intends to nominate to the Grade 2 Rebel. 

For a video clip of the race: https://twitter.com/DRFRampellini/media