Withers will be 'a good test' for Shackqueenking

Shackqueenking will make his first start away from Laurel Park in Saturday's Grade 3, $250,000 Withers at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Trainer Gary Capuano said the Shackleford chestnut, who is undefeated around two turns at Laurel Park, will relish the added distance in the nine-furlong test, which offers 10-4-2-1 Kentucky Derby qualifying points to the top four finishers.

"The two turns is why I wanted to give him a shot up there. Plus, he's training real good," said Capuano. "There's a race at Laurel on the 13th (Miracle Wood) going a one-turn mile, but I like the two turns."

Boasting a perfect in-the-money record of 5: 2-2-1, Shackqueenking was a maiden winner at second asking in a 1 1/16-mile maiden special weight on Nov. 27 in his first trip around two turns. He followed with a good second in an optional-claiming mile on Dec. 13 before wheeling back two weeks later to secure a nose win in the Howard County at 1 1/16 miles on Dec. 26.

Last out, Shackqueenking finished an even third when cut back to seven furlongs for the Spectacular Bid on Jan. 16.

"I ran him short here a couple weeks ago going seven-eighths, and it's not really his game," said Capuano. "He's pretty versatile, but I think the two turns is better. I didn't run him down here on Lasix last time, but I could have. We didn't have any issues."

Purchased for $20,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale for Pocket 3's Racing, Capuano said Shackqueenking demonstrated a good physical presence.

"I like the Shackleford type," said Capuano. "Most of them are big, rangy kind of horses which I like. He just fit the bill and the price was where we were looking."

Capuano traveled the Derby trail previously at Aqueduct, when he saddled Captain Bodgit to a two-length score in the 1997 Wood Memorial (G2) ahead of a narrow head defeat to Silver Charm on the first Saturday in May. The veteran conditioner said he is cautiously optimistic of another Derby run heading into Saturday's test.

“He is nominated for it, and if he can take us there that would be great. If he does well there we will keep moving forward, but this will be the test,” said Capuano. “He's a big, strapping horse. I don't think he'll have any problem with the mile and an eighth. It's a good test for him and we'll see if he's capable and where we can go from there. He's done everything we've asked of him so far."

Capuano said Trevor McCarthy will pick up the mount.

"We should get a good, honest ride and get a good idea of where we're at," said Capuano. "He can sure fit him, he's not a real hard horse to ride."