Elmont, N.Y. — — Preakness winner Shackleford worked five furlongs in 1 minute, 0.3 seconds Saturday morning at Belmont Park, after which trainer Dale Romans announced that the horse will run in the 143rd renewal of the Grade 1 $1 million Belmont Stakes next Saturday.
"As long as he comes out of the work good he will run," Romans said after conferring via telephone with owner Michael Lauffer. "I think he's going to be very competitive."
The announcement sets up a rubber match between Shackleford and Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom that will represent just the 22nd time in the history of the Triple Crown that the Derby and Preakness winners have met in the Belmont.
"It's fun to get a rivalry started," Romans said. "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 and five furlongs in 1:00.30 before galloping out in 1:14.21.
"I wanted to see him work his normal work, and he did today," Romans said of the 3-year-old son of Forestry out of the Unbridled mare Oatsee.
Shackleford will seek to become the 19th horse to complete the Preakness-Belmont double, a feat last accomplished in 2005 by Afleet Alex.
"I think he will handle the [11/2-mile] distance," Romans said. "Under the right scenario he will be fine. … 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 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 Belmont, which has a maximum field of 16, are Brilliant Speed, seventh in the Kentucky Derby; Harlan's Hello, winner of an optional claimer at Belmont; Isn't He Perfect, ninth in the Preakness; Master of Hounds, fifth in the Derby; Monzon, sixth in the Peter Pan; Mucho Macho Man, sixth in the Preakness; Derby runner-up Nehro; Prime Cut, third in the Peter Pan; Ruler On Ice, second in the Frederico Tesio at Pimlico; Santiva, sixth in the Derby; and Stay Thirsty, 12th in the Derby.
