Shotski very likely to run in Withers

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Shotski, who won the Grade 2 Remsen here on Dec. 7, is “90 percent” certain to run in the Grade 3, $250,000 Withers Stakes here on Feb. 1, trainer Jeremiah O’Dwyer said Friday.

O’Dwyer said Shotski would also be nominated to the Grade 3, $200,000 Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds on Jan. 18, but “the Withers is highest on the list.”

“Don’t have to ship as far,” O’Dwyer said. “He’s been training at Laurel. We can take advantage of a course and distance we know he likes. Why not?”

On Thursday, Shotski worked a half-mile in 48 seconds, the fastest of 24 moves at the distance at Laurel. It was his third work since he won the Remsen by a half-length over Ajaaweed.

“We gave him a couple of easy halves to get some air in his lungs and then we gave him a nice work yesterday and he did good,” O’Dwyer said. “He cooled out good and seems perfectly happy.”

Shotski won’t have to worry about facing Independence Hall in the Withers. The winner of Wednesday’s Jerome Stakes here, Independence Hall was scheduled to van to Tampa Bay Downs on Monday and begin preparations for his next start, which most likely will be in the Sam F. Davis at Tampa on Feb. 8.