2017 Derby Trail Just the Beginning for Shackleford!

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Shackleford definitely was a fan favorite, but after the cheering stops on the track, it takes 3 years to find out if a horse is going to make it as a stallion. And when Shackleford's first two year olds hit the sales last year, he built momentum quickly with progeny hammering for $340,000, $310,000, $280,000, $190,000, etc. And then, as they say, the rest was history!

History has a funny way of repeating itself. Back in 2011, Shack just missed winning the Florida Derby (G1) to Dialed In. Ironically both stallions now stand at Darby Dan Farm, which has enjoyed enormous success on the Derby trail this year. Dialed In has emerged as a quality stallion, and now Shack is making his mark, just like in their racing days!

Shack’s Tremendous First Year at Stud
Shack had a tremendous first year at stud, and was rated the #1 Freshman Sire by winners ( 25) and TDN Rising Stars (3)! 2017 also finds Shack shining bright with Rebel Stakes (G2) winner Malagacy, among several other talented runners.

Malagacy Quickly Jumps Into the 3 Year Old Picture
Shack's Malagacy has ascended rapidly up the ranks, and as of February 20 he had the fastest 2017 3 year old Beyer of 103; above Unique Bella, Irish War Cry, Uncontested and McCraken. Then he won the Rebel, and that race propelled him into the Kentucky Derby picture. Due to Malagacy's Rebel victory, Shackleford now stands tall as the leading second crop sire, over his Darby Dan teammate, leading freshman sire, Dialed In.

Now Shack May Already Have a 2018 3 Year Old to Watch!
History could repeat itself again in 2018 with Shack's next crop taking their place on the Derby trail! One Shack colt that has a definite shot is Final Furlong Racing Stable's NY-Bred Banker's Island. He was a standout as a yearling when they bought him at the Saratoga Preferred New York Bred Sale and he continues to impress early in his two year old year. Take a look at his yearling ThoroStride video and check out his big walk! And you can't miss him in a crowd - he's got that great Shackleford blaze!

Don’t Miss Out On Banker’s Island! He Could Be Shack’s Next Rising Star!
With all the momentum Shackleford has this year, and the roll Darby Dan Farm has been on in 2017, you really have to love the chances of Final Furlong’s Shack colt! Plus he's a NY-Bred, which adds to the excitement as partners in this colt have the potential to benefit from the best awards program in the country!

Give Final Furlong a call or email today and partner up on Banker's Island! (Limited Availability!) He might just be next year where Malagacy is today - rising fast up the ranks on the Derby trail!

By Lisa Santora, Manager of WriteSocially Social Media. Tweet to her @WrSocially. Read her blog at writesociallyblog.wordpress.com.