Travers: Shackleford pointing to rematch against Coil at Saratoga
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Preakness winner and Haskell runner-up Shackleford will most likely make his next start in the $1 million Travers Stakes here on Aug. 27, trainer Dale Romans said Sunday.
Following the Haskell, in which Shackleford was beaten a neck by Coil, Romans indicated he was also going to consider the Woodward against older horses here on Sept. 3.
"Right now I'm leaning strongly toward the Travers," Romans said. "Bottom line the Travers is the Travers. We can run in the Woodward next year."
Romans said he has been pleased with Shackleford since the Haskell.
"He's done super since he's been here," Romans said.
The Travers, like the Kentucky Derby, is run at 1 1/4 miles. Shackleford finished fourth in the Derby.
"He's only been beaten by three horses in his life going a mile and a quarter," Romans said. "None of the three are running."
Others expected for the Travers include Coil, Belmont winner Ruler On Ice, Jim Dandy winner Stay Thirsty and Long Branch Stakes winner Rattlesnake Bridge.