Buy TicketsSonata Stable’s Arzak will be chasing a bit of Keeneland history Saturday when he goes postward in the 28th running of the $350,000 Shakertown (G2) going 5½ furlongs on the grass.
Trained by Michael Trombetta, Arzak shipped into Keeneland last fall from the Fair Hill Training Center in Maryland to post an 11-1 upset in the Woodford (G2) Presented by FanDuel, winning by 2 lengths.
Arzak arrived here Tuesday from Fair Hill for his run in the Shakertown as he attempts to become the fourth horse to win the Woodford in the fall and come back the next spring to win the Shakertown. The other horses to complete the Woodford-Shakertown double are Golden Pal (2021-2022), Silver Timber (2009-2010) and Morluc (2001-2002).
Trombetta said the Shakertown was the comeback target for Arzak after finishing sixth, beaten 2 lengths, in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) at Santa Anita in November.
Following the Breeders’ Cup, Arzak had some down time in Ocala, Florida, before rejoining the Trombetta string at Fair Hill in February where he has had eight works over the all-weather track in preparation for the Shakertown.
Success on Saturday could bring Arzak back to Kentucky next month for the $600,000 Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G2) going 5½ furlongs on May 4 at Churchill Downs.
“We have no plans to stay (after the race),” Trombetta said. “But we could possibly come back.”
Irad Ortiz Jr. has the mount Saturday on Arzak.