Going For A Clubhouse Ride in the Sham Stakes (G-3)



Sham & Trainer Frank Martin
Photo: Sports Illustrated

 The Sham Stakes (G-3) was named in honor of the 1973 underdog who chased Secretariat through the Triple Crown and ultimately had his heart broken in the Belmont Stakes. He finished second to Secretariat, in the Kentucky Derby, despite bashing his head against the starting gate so hard he lost two teeth. His time under the wire was a sub 2:00 and faster than Monarchos' winning time in 2001. In any other year, Sham would have been a Triple Crown winner.

This year brings changes to the renewal of the Sham Stakes. Previously contested at 1 1/8 miles at the end of February, the decision was made to shorten the race and hold it earlier in the year. It remains to be seen if the Sham will remain a strong Derby prep race, since the 2011 field is made up of a state-bred stakes winner and several maidens, two by the popular sire Tapit.

Read the rest of the Sham Stakes analysis at ThoroFan’s Handicapping Corner. ThoroFan works to give fans a voice in the Thoroughbred Horse Racing Industry. I hope you enjoy the Sham Stakes profiles and race selections. Please take a moment to check out the rest of the ThoroFan website.