Shackleford Is In: The Rematch with Animal Kingdom Is Set

Trainer Dale Romans confirmed on Saturday that Preakness Stakes winner Shackleford will run in the 142nd edition of the Belmont Stakes next Saturday. Shackleford, with Tammy Fox aboard, worked five furlongs in 1:00.37 over Belmont Park's main track Saturday morning.

Romans had said about Shackleford that, “As long as he comes out of the work good, he will run.”

After the workout, it was all systems go and the stage for a rematch with Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom is set.

Animal Kingdom, who is still at the Fair Hill Training Center, and its supposed to arrive early on Sunday, will have his lone workout on Monday, but he has already been confirmed for the race.

He galloped one-and-a-half miles and assistant trainer David Rock has said about Animal Kingdom that, “He has trained just as good, if not better, than before the Preakness,”

With the two winners of the first two legs of the Triple Crown now confirmed for the race, it will be the 21st time that Derby and Preakness winners have faced each other in the Belmont with the Preakness winner taking the Belmont 10 times and the Derby winner capturing five.

The last time it happened was in 2005 when Preakness winner Afleet Alex obliterated the opposition on route to winning the Belmont while Derby winner Giacomo finished seventh.

Of course this race will be billed as the rematch between Shackleford and Animal Kingdom, but they will not be running alone in the race. Its very possible that for the first time in history, the first seven finishers in the Kentucky Derby will also run in the Belmont. This alone would make this race one of the most interesting Belmont Stakes in recent history.

The stage is set, and the expectations are rising with the passing of each day. Now its on to see what Animal Kingdom can do on Monday and how he looks during the week, as well as the remaining contenders. The front seven of the Derby and the field of newcomers are setting for what should be a Belmont Stakes to remember, and you should not miss it.