Shackleford arrives at Saratoga, Romans to decide between Travers or Woodward
The 3-year-old Forestry colt, Shackleford, arrived at Saratoga on 1 August, 2011, shortly after 4:00 pm for his next start at the Spa.
The Grade 1 Preakness Stakes' winner couldn’t withhold the late surge from Haskell Invitational champion, Coil, and fell short by a neck on 31 July.
Dale Romans trained Shackleford is probably going to start against fellow 3-year-olds in the upcoming 27 August, 2011, Grade 1 Travers Stakes, where foes like Coil and Jim Dandy Stakes' winner, Stay Thirsty, are running.
On the other hand, he could go for the Grade 1 Woodward Stakes where he will be up against much older horses.
Trainer Dale Romans is yet to determine where to race the colt. It could come down to an instinctive decision, but Romans is experienced enough to do the right thing.
According to the fan’s perspective, it would be a fantastic draw if Shackleford meets his Grade 1 Haskell Invitational rival, Coil, in an instant re-match at Saratoga in the Grade 1 Travers Stakes.
The stakes will be higher because the Bob Baffert trained Coil would be looking to springboard his reputation into stardom like his father, Point Given.
Without running in any of the Triple Crown races, he is considered as the 3-year-old champion after landing both the Haskell and the Travers back to back.
On the other hand, history favours the Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes winners.
In all, 15 of them have gone on to win the Travers Stakes in the past, and Stay Thirsty is this year’s Jim Dandy Stakes winner who is gearing himself to take on the Travers' line-up.
Shackleford could spur up a surprise or two by downing both rivals in the 27 August meet, and get his season back on track.
Dale Romans said that it is obvious to go for the Travers Stakes as it makes sense to take on the 3-year-olds.
But they’ve had a few discussions regarding the 3yr olds future, and the Woodward Stakes gives them more time to prepare.
The 1 1/8 miles Woodward Stakes gives Shackleford an extra week to prepare, and the little bit of weight they have on, it is certainly an option worth considering.
Michael Lauffer and W D Cubbedge owned Shackleford has had six starts in all and won only once, that too the Grade 1 Preakness Stakes of the Triple Crown series, but has been considered the favourite in almost every race he has participated in with earnings
of £1,052,564.
Out of the van Shackleford was full of energy as he was bucking and playing around, it seems the colt has come out of the race unscratched.
He will return to track 3 August for a jog according to trainer Dale Romans and will resume serious training later in the week.
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