Fifth in Jamaica H. (G2) on Oct. 6 at Belmont
Shamdinan (Fr) made his United States debut a memorable one in winning the Secretariat Stakes (G1) on August 11 at Arlington Park.
Sold privately to Triple B Farms, a partnership that includes H. Paul, Paul H., and Christopher Boghossian, they acquired him after the colt was well beaten in the July 1 Irish Derby (Ire-G1).
"There was terrible going at the Curragh, and he would have firmer ground here," said Eugenio Columbo, who brokered the purchase for Triple B.
Since the Arlington Million is part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In" series, and Shamdinan is Breeders' Cup eligible, O'Neill had several options for his newest Grade 1-winning trainee.
He chose the Man o' War Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park on September 8, but the brilliance Shamdinan displayed in the Arlington Million was missing in New York as the Dr Fong colt saved ground on the inside while racing in sixth and fifth positions but failed to fire when asked, finishing fifth.
In a surprise development in late September the horse was taken out of O'Neill's barn by Triple B and transferred to the care of trainer Angel Penna Jr., who was taking care of the horse while he was in New York.
Shamdinan's first official start for Penna came in the Jamaica Handicap (G2) where Shamdinan put in a rail run entering the stretch but then flattened out to finish fifth, 5 1/4-lengths back of impressive winner Nobiz Like Shobiz.
October 21 - Five furlongs breezing in 1:03.60 at Belmont Park, inner turf course soft. Seventh best of ten workouts at the distance.
October 15 - Five furlongs breezing in 1:03.24 at Belmont Park, turf course good. Only workout at the distance.