Shackleford was the fourth place finisher in the 137th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 7. While he didn't finish in the money, there's still a huge payday around the corner if the colt can win the Preakness Stakes on May 21.
Should Shackleford pull off the victory at Pimlico, his owner and trainer will be awarded the XpressBet $555,000 Consolation Prize.
By finishing as a runner in the Fountain of Youth and placing in The Florida Derby, Shackleford has qualified for this bonus program. When you combine the bonus with the prize of winning the Preakness Stakes ($1 million) it's no surprise that the owners were so quick to confirm his appearance.
Shackleford set the pace through most of the Kentucky Derby a week ago, and is one of the favorites to win the Preakness Stakes. With so much money at stake, expect jockey Jesus Castanon to ride Shackleford very hard down the home stretch.
LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 07: Jockey Jesus L. Castanon (C), riding Shackleford #14, leads the field down the stretch at the start of the 137th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 7, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)