Congratulations to Virginia horse owner Douglas Daniels, whose three-year-old gelding Shelly Island kicked off Preakness day festivities at Pimlico with a big win the first race!
The son of Caleb’s Posse was best in a $37,000 maiden claiming event that featured 13 horses. Shelly Island was in eighth at the 3/8ths mark, moved to fifth at the top of the stretch, then came on strong to beat Cyclobomb by 1 1/4 lengths at the finish. The victor completed the five furlong turf race in :58.07.
The Kentucky-bred is out of Whywhywhy mare, Zennin Girl. With the victory, Shelly Island has earned $40,500 in purse monies. John Salzman trains for Daniels, whose stable name is Virginia Equine, PLLC.