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Shagaf wins G3 Gotham Stakes
Odds on favorite Shagaf runs down longshot pacesetter Laoban to win G3 Gotham Stakes.
Laoban took the early lead from the rail on a track that was playing speed all day but couldn’t hold off the late closing Shagaf.
Shagaf, who ran the 1 1/16 mile distance of the Gotham in 1:46.90 and is undefeated in three career starts for trainer Chad Brown, earned 50 points towards a starting position in Louisville in the Kentucky Derby on May 7.
Shagaf broke alertly from post position two under jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. but was quickly taken in hand to allow Laoban to set the pace. Rally Cry raced second down the backside and was in contention through the far turn but dropped back quickly before reaching the top of the stretch. Second choice Sunny Ridge was in fourth place for most of the race before swinging out at the top of the stretch but couldn’t gain on the top two and finished third. Adventist closed late to earn 5 points for his effort.
Laoban set early fractions of 23.33 for the first two furlongs and 47.16 for the half and hit the top of the stretch running the 3/4 mile in 1:11.69.
Shagaf Earns 50 Kentucky Derby Points
“As part of the Kentucky Derby Championship Series, the Gotham is worth a total of 85 points to the top four finishers on a 50-20-10-5 scale, but will likely not be Shagaf’s last race before the first Saturday in May.”
