Shancelot

Shancealot, a son of champion Shanghai Bobby owned by Ivan Rodriguez and Albert and Michelle Crawford, won his career debut by a neck going seven furlongs at Gulfstream Park in February 2019, then coasted to a visually impressive victory in a six-furlong allowance at Monmouth Park in June.

The colt was then elevated to graded stakes company by trainer Jorge Navarro and drew the far outside post in a competitive field of 12 for the July 29 Grade 2 Amsterdam Stakes at Saratoga. He broke well under Emisael Jaramillo, took the lead immediately, and drew clear of the field in early stretch en route to an overpowering 12 ½-length win, extending his unbeaten streak to three. Shancelot tasted defeat for the first time in the Grade 1 H. Allen Jerkens Stakes Presented by Runhappy Aug. 24 at Saratoga, where he opened a clear lead in early stretch but faded late and finished third behind Mind Control and Hog Creek Hustle.

Shancelot next shipped west for the Grade 1 Santa Anita Sprint Championship and faced Arkansas Derby winner Omaha Beach, who was making his first start in six months. Shancelot led into deep stretch but could not hold off his classy challenger as Omaha Beach pushed his nose in front in the closing strides.

In his next start, Shancelot set a swift early pace in the Breeders' Cup Sprint on Nov. 2 at Santa Anita. He could not hold off elite sprinter Mitole in deep stretch but still ran well to hold second, his third runner-up finish in a row.