Shaman Ghost faring well after throat procedure

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Shaman Ghost is back on the workout tab for trainer Jimmy Jerkens after a tie-back throat procedure in August to help him breathe more efficiently.

A two-time Grade 1 winner, Shaman Ghost has earned more than $2.5 million this season from four starts.

Shaman Ghost finished second to Arrogate in the $12 million Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park in January. He then won the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap and Grade 3 Pimlico Special in March and May. In his most recent start, he was second to Keen Ice in the Grade 2 Suburban at Belmont Park in July.

Jerkens has given Shaman Ghost two half-mile works since Nov. 2. He went in 49 and change each time.

“The procedure seems to have helped,” Jerkens said. “Sound-wise, I can tell a difference.”

Shaman Ghost, a winner of 8 of 17 starts for owner-breeder Frank Stronach, took a while to get his rhythm back once he returned to training, according to Jerkens.

“It took a little while to get the kinks out and to crank him up a little, to get him over his old arthritis,” Jerkens said. “He’s doing good now.”

Jerkens said Shaman Ghost will head to Florida for the winter and likely will race at Gulfstream Park.