In the third race at Gulfstream Park this afternoon, a nine furlong allowance race for three-year-old colts, Shackleford took the lead at the top of the stretch and held off everyone else to win the event by about a length and a half.
The early pace was set by El Grayling, who dueled with Shackleford through fractions of :24.33 and :48.39. They were tracked by the even-money favorite Casper's Touch, who despite breaking a step slowly was able to get a good spot along the rail in third. He was followed by Shadow Warrior, with Fort Larned fifth and Strike Oil trailing the field.
As the field turned for home, Shackleford and El Grayling were still battling together for the lead. Casper's Touch was in a pocket with nowhere to go. Just as he was about to make his move for the lead, he was bumped by Shadow Warrior, causing him to lose all of his momentum. In the meantime, Shackleford kicked clear of El Grayling and drew away to win, stopping the clock in 1:50.04.
Casper's Touch managed to present another rally in deep stretch, recovering from the bump and rallying to catch El Grayling for second. Shadow Warrior finished fourth.
There was an objection lodged by the rider of El Grayling against the rider of Shackleford, but it was disallowed.
Both the winner and the runner-up ran admirable races, although I believe that with better luck Casper's Touch would have won. I will be keeping my eyes on both of them.
-Keelerman
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