Shackleford workout - June 4 - Belmont Park

Preakness winner Shackleford worked five furlongs in 1:00.30 at Belmont Park on Saturday morning, after which trainer Dale Romans announced that he will run in the 143rd renewal of the Grade 1, $1 million Belmont Stakes on Saturday, 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 winner Animal Kingdom, 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]," said Romans. "It's good for racing."

With exercise rider Tammy Fox aboard on the Belmont main track, Shackleford went the first eighth in 12.41, three furlongs in 36.26, five furlongs in 1:00.30, and galloped out in 1:14.21.

"I wanted to see him work his normal work, and he did today," said Romans of the 3-year-old son of Forestry out of the Unbridled mare Oatsee. "I thought he went around there really well and it looked like he did everything the way he was supposed to."

Shackleford, whose half-sister Lady Joanne won the Grade 1, 1 ¼-mile Alabama 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 3-Year-Old Champion, Afleet Alex.

"I think he will handle the [1 ½ 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."

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• shackleford
• belmont
• park
• nyra
• work
• out
• stakes
• romans

[miribilibus]

All I get is a solid green screen. No video.

[heyitsmejason1]

im seein nehro and animal kingdom in the belmont

[smartysgalful]

Loved this horse in the Derby, even more in the Preakness, and I'm hoping for good things to happen in the Belmont. I hope he can hold on! He is such a handsome colt! Go Shackleford!

Pls.. ignore above comment!

[smartysgalful]

Loved this horse in the Derby, even more in the Belmont and I'm hoping for good things to happen in the Belmont. I hope he can hold on! He is such a handsome colt! Go Shackleford!

[ruffianrulz]

Lookin good.