Irish import Ernest Shackleton finds softer spot
ARCADIA, Calif. – The Eddie Logan Stakes at Santa Anita on Dec. 27 was a learning experience for the Irish colt Ernest Shackleton.
In his first start since mid-September and his American debut, Ernest Shackleton closed from 10th in a field of 11 to finish seventh at 28-1. His odds will be shorter and his chances greater when he starts in an optional claimer at a mile on turf at Santa Anita on Friday.
“We expect a marked improvement in this start,” trainer Doug O’Neill said on Wednesday. “He needed the first out big time.”
The optional claimer, the third of eight races, is the top event on a Friday program that starts an abbreviated three-day racing week at Santa Anita. The Saturday program includes five stakes for statebreds.
KEY CONTENDERS
Ernest Shackleton (Beyer: 66)
◗ Ernest Shackleton won a minor handicap at a mile on turf in September at Listowel, Ireland, in his fourth and final start in that country. He raced from off the pace and edged five rivals. He was sixth, fifth, and third in maiden races from late July to early September.
◗ In the Eddie Logan, Ernest Shackleton was four wide entering the stretch and was beaten 9 3/4 lengths by Bolo, who won the race by 4 1/2 lengths. Ernest Shackleton finished 3 1/2 lengths behind third-place finisher Daddy D T.
Willing to Travel (Last 3 Beyers: 69-66-67)
◗ Trained by the red-hot Jerry Hollendorfer, who leads all trainers with 14 wins at the meeting, Willing to Travel was fifth in the Eddie Logan Stakes in his stakes debut and his sixth start. Willing to Travel won a maiden race on turf at 1 1/16 miles at Del Mar on Nov. 29. He has raced exclusively on turf.
◗ Ernest Shackleton and Willing to Travel are the only horses in Friday’s eight-horse field who have won on turf.
◗ Leading rider Rafael Bejarano has the mount on Willing to Travel, a closer.
Verraco (Last 3 Beyers: 72-60-46)
◗ Verraco won a $50,000 claimer for maidens at a mile on dirt Dec. 28, racing near the lead throughout and winning by a length.
◗ Trainer Jim Cassidy said Friday’s turf race is “an experiment to see how he handles it.”
“He’s a big, long-striding horse, so he should like it,” he said. “My only concern is whether that last race might have taken too much out of him.”
DRF FORMULATOR FACT: No. 8 Verraco: Trainer James Cassidy is 36-10-7-3 with a $4.58 ROI over the past five years in the start following a maiden victory. – Mike Hogan Click for more details. – Mike Hogan
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