Shakespeare Gets Second Act, Headed to Grade I Company

Shakespeare, a 6-year-old son of Theatrical (IRE) who had not run since a 12th-place finish in the 2005 Breeders’ Cup Turf (gr. I) at Belmont Park, made a victorious return at Saratoga in the eighth race, a $79,000 allowance optional claimer Aug. 2.

Under Garrett Gomez, Shakespeare settled in fifth until the far turn, where he made his move on the outside and got up to win the one-mile turf event by a half-length. He returned $5.90, $3.40, and $3.10 to win, while Art Master paid $2.40 and $2.10 to place and Gun Salute brought $4.60 to show.

“He’s a pure class act, it was just a matter of what kind of trip I was going to have,” said Gomez. “He was so kind and so professional, I was able to do what I needed to do and put him in a spot I needed to be in and take my time with him.”

“He’s ready to jump back into the grade I races,” said trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. “He’s a grade one horse. Where we go from this we’ll have to see, but the Bernard Baruch (gr. IIT) is the first thing that jumps out August 25.”

McLaughlin acquired William Schettine and Dell Ridge Farm’s Shakespeare along with five other horses shipped from trainer Bill Mott’s barn last November. The 6-year-old horse, unbeaten in every other start except the Breeder’s Cup Turf, recovered from a tendon injury and began working in May. He is the winner of the 2005 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes (gr. IT) and Belmont Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. IIT).