Shackleford gets go-ahead for Belmont after workout

Last updated: 6/4/11 1:58 PM

Shackleford pleased trainer
Dale Romans with his workout and will continue his rivalry with
Animal Kingdom in the Belmont
(NYRA/Adam Coglianese)

Preakness (G1) winner SHACKLEFORD (Forestry) worked five furlongs in 1:00 1/5
at Belmont Park on Saturday morning, after which trainer Dale Romans announced
that he will run in the 143rd renewal of the $1 million Belmont S. (G1) on June
11.

“As long as he comes out of the work good he will run,” Romans said, after
conferring via telephone with owner Michael Lauffer. “I am excited he’s doing so
well and coming into the race the right way. I think he’s going to be very
competitive.”

The announcement sets up a rubber match between Shackleford and Kentucky
Derby (G1) winner ANIMAL KINGDOM (Leroidesanimaux [Brz]), and will represent
just the 22nd time in the history of the Triple Crown that the Derby and
Preakness winners have squared off in the Belmont.

“It’s fun to get a rivalry started (with Animal Kingdom),” Romans said. “It’s
good for racing.”

With exercise rider Tammy Fox aboard on the fast Belmont main track,
Shackleford went the first eighth in :12 2/5, three furlongs in 36 1/5, five
furlongs in 1:00 1/5, and galloped out in 1:14 1/5.

“I wanted to see him work his normal work, and he did today,” Romans said. “I
thought he went around there really well and it looked like he did everything
the way he was supposed to.”

For video of Shackleford’s work and commentary from Romans and Fox, please
click here.

Shackleford will likely set
the pace in the 143rd Belmont
(Jesse Holmes/EquiSport Photos)

Shackleford, whose half-sister Lady Joanne won the 1 1/4-mile Alabama (G1) at
Saratoga Race Course in 2007, will seek to become the 19th horse to complete the
Preakness-Belmont double, a feat last accomplished by 2005 three-year-old
champion Afleet Alex.

“I think he will handle the (1 1/2-mile) distance,” said Romans. “Under the
right scenario he will be fine. You would think (he would be on the lead). He’s
been on the lead the last two races. I don’t know who’s going to jump in and try
to get in front of him.”

Point Given (2001), Tabasco Cat (1994), Hansel (1991), Risen Star (1988),
Little Current (1974), Damascus (1967), Nashua (1955), Native Dancer (1953),
Capot (1949), Bimelech (1940), Pillory (1922), Man o’ War (1920), Belmar (1895),
Saunterer (1881), Grenada (1880), Duke of Magenta (1878), and Cloverbrook (1877)
were the only others to win the second and last races in the Triple Crown
without having won the Derby.

Shackleford, who was a game half-length winner over Animal Kingdom in the
Preakness, has a lifetime record of 3-1-0 from seven starts with career earnings
of $1,471,666.

Among the others under consideration for the 1 1/2-mile Belmont, which has a
maximum field of 16, are BRILLIANT SPEED (Dynaformer), seventh in the Kentucky
Derby; HARLAN’S HELLO (Harlan’s Holiday), winner of an allowance/optional
claimer at Belmont; ISN’T HE PERFECT (Pleasantly Perfect), ninth in the
Preakness; MASTER OF HOUNDS (Kingmambo), fifth in the Derby; MONZON (Thunder
Gulch), sixth in the Peter Pan (G2); MUCHO MACHO MAN (Macho Uno), sixth in the
Preakness; Derby runner-up NEHRO (Mineshaft); PRIME CUT (Bernstein), third in
the Peter Pan; RULER ON ICE (Roman Ruler), second in the Federico Tesio at
Pimlico; SANTIVA (Giant’s Causeway), sixth in the Derby, and STAY THIRSTY
(Bernardini), 12th in the Derby.