Shaman Ghost much the best in Brooklyn

Stronach Stables’ homebred Shaman Ghost surged to the lead in upper stretch and rolled home much the best in Saturday’s $400,000 Brooklyn Invitational (G2), posting a 4 1/4-length victory. Winner of last year’s Queen’s Plate and named champion 3-year-old in Canada, the Ghostzapper colt was making his second start for trainer James Jerkens after opening the year with a rallying third in a salty allowance event at Belmont on May 21.

Joel Rosario was up as Shaman Ghost saved ground while stalking a few lengths off the early pace. Held at the same 1 ½-mile distance of the Belmont Stakes later in the program, the opening splits were recorded in :24.41, :49.67, 1:15.09 and 1:39.42.

The final time was a respectable 2:28.40.

Now 10-5-1-1 with $916,811 in earnings, Shaman’s Ghost also captured last year’s Marine (G3) at Woodbine and concluded his sophomore campaign with a neck second in the Prince of Wales at Fort Erie in late July. The Ontario-bred bay colt hails from the multiple-stakes placed Gilded Time mare Getback Time.

Shaman Ghost left the starting gate as the 7-2 second choice among 10 runners. Turco Brave rallied for second at 9-1, a length better than the 15-1 Elnaawi in third. Kid Cruz, the 8-5 favorite, wound up seventh.

Photo courtesy of David Alcosser/Adam Coglianese Photography