Shackleford, Ruler On Ice geared up for Donn Handicap at Gulfstream Park
Shackleford and Ruler On Ice are all set to clash in the Grade 1 Donn Handicap, taking place at Gulfstream Park on Saturday.
The $500,000 competition will be the highlight of the weekend, as alongside the winners of two of last year’s Triple Crown races, nine high status contestants are taking part in the event.
Among the participants are Where’s Sterling, Mission Impazible, Redeemed, Soaring Empire, Al Khali, Flat Out, Trickmeister, Hymn Book, and Sangaree.
According to the schedule, the show will begin at 9.45pm GMT. All eyes will be glued on the mega event, which is widely considered as America’s most important trial for the Dubai World Cup.
Shackleford is going to be one of the favourites, but for success he will also have to come out of his lean patch. During his previous two outings, the four-year-old remained slightly unlucky, finishing second on the chart. In the Breeders' Cup Dirt
Mile in November last year, he was defeated by Caleb's Posse.
However, his trainer, Dale Romans is hopeful for a good performance, saying that his tough character will be an added advantage for the young colt.
"He hasn't missed a beat. He hasn't missed a beat in his life. It's his nature. He's just tough," he stated.
Shackleford’s connections are confident of a positive result. However, the raging horse will have to face a hard challenge this weekend. He will be up against the likes of Ruler On Ice – someone with an ability to trouble the best in the business.
A lung infection hampered the Grade 1 Belmont Park hero from producing anything special in the Clark Handicap on November 25, 2011. Despite showing quick pace at the final moments, the four-year-old could only seal fifth place.
Ruler On Ice’s trainer, Kelly Breen is also looking forward to a good outcome this time around. The mentor believes his trainee is in fine rhythm at the moment, and has bright chances to thrive in the much-anticipated race.
"That took a while to clean out but he's doing great now. We're looking for a good transition from his three- to four-year-old season," Kelly Breen shared.
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