TDN APBs: Shadwell Duo on the Comeback Trail

Following disappointing conclusions to their 3-year-old seasons, a pair of highly regarded Shadwell Stable representatives will be back in action for 2017.

'TDN Rising Star' and GIII Gotham S. hero Shagaf (Bernardini), sidelined since being pulled up in the GI Kentucky Derby, has posted four workouts at trainer Chad Brown's Palm Meadows base this winter, headed by a four-furlong breeze in :48.90 (9/24) Feb. 6. The Shadwell homebred, produced by an Unbridled's Song stakes-winning daughter of MGISW Habibti (Tabasco Cat), underwent surgery last May to remove chips from his left knee and ankle.

Mohaymen (Tapit), a half-brother to 2013 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile hero New Year's Day (Street Cry {Ire}), stamped himself as a leading contender for the Kentucky Derby after launching his career with five straight wins–four graded–including an impressive tally in the GII Xpressbet.com Fountain of Youth S. The $2.2 million KEESEP co-topper could do no better than fourth, beaten 8 1/4 lengths, with a showdown with 2-year-old champion Nyquist (Uncle Mo) in the GI Xbressbet.com Florida Derby, but rebounded nicely on the First Saturday of May to finish a rallying fourth. The gray was given the remainder of the year off after posting a pair of puzzling efforts at Saratoga, including an 11th-place finish in the GI King's Bishop S. most recently Aug. 27.

“Both are doing well,” Shadwell Farm's Vice President and General Manager Rick Nichols commented. “Shagaf left our South Carolina training center in early January to return to Chad [Brown] in Florida. He is working weekly and should be ready to run soon. Mohaymen went to South Carolina in early January to resume training. He is doing great. He should return to Kiaran [McLaughlin] in a month or so.”

Nichols continued, “No targets yet–we will let them tell us. Shagaf came through all of that [surgery for chips] in great shape. Mohaymen just needed time to grow and mature, which he did. He put on 168 pounds during his vacation. It was good weight, not fat. He looks like a 4-year-old now–stronger all over.”