Shaman Ghost ready for Arrogate, California Chrome

Shaman Ghost didn’t get a chance to run against Arrogate and California Chrome in the Breeders’ Cup Classic after running a slight temperature just before the race, but he’s set to meet them Saturday in the $12 million Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream after working a half-mile in 47.60 seconds at Palm Meadows on Sunday.

“He went nice, especially for going by himself,” said his trainer, Jimmy Jerkens. “Usually you have to ride him a lot.”

After missing the Breeders’ Cup, Shaman Ghost returned to finish third in the Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs on Nov. 25. That was his first start since winning the Woodward Stakes on Sept. 3. He’ll have a bit more than two months between starts going into the Pegasus. Jerkens likes to keep him fresh.

“He won the Brooklyn last year with just one race under his belt, and won the Woodward two months after the Suburban, and ran in the Clark after being off two months,” Jerkens said.

Shaman Ghost was scheduled to be sent by van to Gulfstream on Wednesday, as all Pegasus runners must be on the grounds by then. Jerkens said he might give Shaman Ghost a brief blowout on Friday morning. “I might kick him down the lane,” he said.