9. Shagaf
Derby Points/Rank: 50 Points – 6th
Race Record: (3) 3-0-0
Earnings: $298,800
Breeding: Bernardini – Muhaawara
Owner: Shadwell Stables
Trainer: Chad Brown
Last Race: Aqueduct: Grade 3 Gotham Stakes on 3/5/16 – finished 1st
Analysis: It wasn’t the most impressive performance by Shagaf in the Gotham Stakes, but it was good enough to get the win and move him on to the next step down the Triple Crown Trail. Shagaf grinded away at pace setting Laoban who had a significant advantage because of a major speed favoring track at Aqueduct, and was able to pass him late. However the race came back fairly slow, so Shagaf will have to improve off of this effort. I’d call the win a “foundation builder.”
