Jerry and Ann Moss's Gormley (Malibu Moon) emerged from a hard-fought head victory over American Anthem (Bodemeister) in Saturday's GIII Sham S. in fine condition, trainer John Shirreffs said Sunday morning. The bay engaged in a spirited duel for the entirety of the one-mile race with Bob Baffert-trained American Anthem, digging in determinedly in the final yards to earn a narrow win.
“He looked really good this morning,” Shirreffs said. “I'm extremely proud of the way he ran and battled it out. It was a great duel down the stretch with both horses.”
Shirreffs said that Gormley's next start would likely come in the GII San Felipe S. over 1 1/16 miles at Santa Anita Mar. 11. The colt captured his first two career starts, including a win in the GI FrontRunner S. Oct. 1, before reporting home a non-factor seventh behind Classic Empire (Pioneerof the Nile) in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile.
American Anthem, making just his second career start in the Sham, also emerged from the race in good order, according to Baffert.
“I was happy with his race,” Baffert said.
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