Shackleford gave another top-class performance in the Grade 1 Haskell I. July 31 at Monmouth Park, coming up just a neck short to Coil on the wire. The son of Forestry has been very consistent during the  3-year-old season, winning the Preakness (G1), running second in the Florida Derby (G1) and a close-up fourth in the Kentucky Derby (G1).

Shackleford is the leading earner for his sire Forestry, who ranks seventh on the North American general sire list, with progeny earnings of just under $4 million.   

Normally on the lead early, Shackleford set second behind Joe Vann until taking over the top spot in the upper stretch. He battled gamely with Coil, who had rallied from last of eight, for the length of the stretch to just miss getting the win.

Dale Romans, who trains Shackleford, said, “We got a great trip. He took the lead turning for home and dug in once Baffert’s horse (Coil) came up. It looked like he was digging in very gamely in deep stretch. I thought he was going to come back and win it.”

Shackleford’s rider Jesus Castanon echoed Romans’ sentiments.

“I had a good trip,” he said. “He ran a good race like he always does. This is the way he likes to run. He was sitting in a perfect spot. I was pleased with his effort. He gave me his best. When the other horse came up to me, my horse felt him and was fighting back.”

Shackleford pocketed $200,000 for owners Mike Lauffer and W. D. Cubbedge, increasing his bankroll to $1,701,666.