Pimlico Special next for Shaman Ghost

ELMONT, N.Y. – Shaman Ghost, the winner of the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap in March, will make his next start in the $300,000 Pimlico Special on May 19, trainer Jimmy Jerkens said Thursday.

Shaman Ghost is owned by Frank Stronach, who also owns Pimlico. The Pimlico Special will be used as a stepping-stone to the Grade 2, $750,000 Suburban Handicap at Belmont on July 8, Jerkens said.

Shaman Ghost, second to Arrogate in the $12 million Pegasus World Cup in January, has worked twice since the Santa Anita Handicap, including a five-furlong move in 1:00.50 on April 19.

Meanwhile, Jerkens could have a second starter in the Pimlico Special in Dolphus. A half-brother to 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, Dolphus won a one-mile allowance race Sunday at Aqueduct by 1 3/4 lengths, earning a career-best 105 Beyer Speed Figure.

Jerkens said he felt a race like the Met Mile might be “a little out of reach” for Dolphus. Jerkens felt Dolphus ran well enough in the Stymie Stakes going two turns at Aqueduct to think that the Pimlico Special might be doable.

“His two-turn race was good,” Jerkens said.