Surgery 'seems to have helped' Shaman Ghost, who's back to training

Dual Grade 1 winner Shaman Ghost is back to work following tie-back throat surgery in August, with trainer Jimmy Jerkens telling the Daily Racing Form that "sound-wise, I can tell a difference" in the horse's performance.

The 5-year-old son of Ghostzapper was training toward defense of his victory in the Grade 1 Woodward Stakes when breathing problems forced him to miss the race. Since then, Shaman Ghost has registered two workouts at Belmont Park, most recently going a half mile last week in 49.92 seconds.  

“The procedure seems to have helped," Jerkens told DRF.

“...It took a little while to get the kinks out and to crank him up a little, to get him over his old arthritis. He’s doing good now."

Jerkens also said Shaman Ghost will eventually ship to Florida, where he is likely to start at Gulfstream Park. In January, Shaman Ghost finished second to Arrogate over the track in the inaugural Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup hosted by his owner, Frank Stronach. 

Shaman Ghost has won eight of 17 lifetime starts, with more than $3.8 million in earnings.

By Christine Oser