Shagaf makes long-awaited return in allowance

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Shagaf, the winner of the 2016 Gotham Stakes, returns from a layoff of nearly one year in a third-level allowance race Sunday at Aqueduct. It will be Shagaf’s first start since he was eased while finishing last in the Kentucky Derby.

Shagaf came out of the Derby with chips in his left knee and left front ankle that were surgically removed. Shagaf rejoined trainer Chad Brown’s stable at Palm Meadows this winter and returned to the work tab in mid-January.

“He seems to be coming around now,” Brown said. “He was a little sluggish in his works at first. I don’t think that horse likes south Florida. Once I got him up to New York, he started breezing sharper. I’m excited to get him back.”

Sunday’s race is at a mile around one turn. Shagaf is 2 for 2 in such races, including a six-length debut win in the fall of 2015 at Aqueduct.

Brown is also bringing Economic Model back in this spot. Economic Model, the winner of the Easy Goer Stakes at Belmont last spring, has not run since finishing eighth of 10 in the Grade 1 Cigar Mile here in November. He breaks from the rail under Irad Ortiz Jr.

Dolphus, a half-brother to Rachel Alexandra, is cutting back to a one-turn mile after running fourth in the Stymie Stakes going 1 1/8 miles around two turns here. He looms the speed of the race under Rajiv Maragh.

Turco Bravo, a three-time marathon-distance stakes winner, and Splashtastic complete the field.